The Grey Owl battery storage site proposed for the corner of Grey Bruce Line and Concession 4 in Arran Township. (Image via Shift Solar Inc.)
There’s a community petition circulating to change the site of the proposed Tara BESS project.
It is a battery energy storage facility proposed on Concession Road 4 in Arran-Elderslie, which would use batteries to store and discharge electricity to and from Ontario’s grid
An open house on the Neoen project — which was approved by the Independent Electricity System Operator last year — is planned at the Tara Community Centre Tuesday, and Brad MacDonald says he’s helped organize a petition which will be brought.
“It is environmentally protected land and there is a flood plane that Grey Sauble Conservation has on it. It is kind of strange that they even looked at this spot,” says MacDonald. “There is lots of area in Ontario that is covered in rock or whatever that is not farmable anyway and is a much safer spot. This is very close to a river and very close to Tara’s water source.”
MacDonald says they have seen some community support and is inviting people who plan to attend the open house for the proposed project next week to consider signing.
He says they are anticipating to receive hundreds of signatures on the petition and will submit it if needed.
“I am really hoping that (Bruce County) council does the right thing and shuts it down or doesn’t let it go any further on that land,” says MacDonald. “There is other proposed areas in Grey and Bruce that they need to look at. If that doesn’t happen and we do have to continue forward, we will submit it within the month.”
The open house will be held on Jan. 21 at the Tara Community Centre from noon to 2 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Those who attend can provide feedback on the proposed Tara BESS, formerly Grey Owl Storage project, which will be collected and used in development applications.
Communication, Engagement, and Stakeholder Relations Manager at Neoen Brittany Morrison recently addressed concerns from Bruce County council. She explained the company will build the site while taking safety precautions and regulations as well as the natural environment into consideration, and also collect community input.