TOWN OF NEW TECUMSETH PROTOCOL FIT APPLICATIONS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

Transcription

1 TOWN OF NEW TECUMSETH PROTOCOL FIT APPLICATIONS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY February 2013

2 Table of Contents Section Page Number 1.0 Introduction Purpose Exemption Scope Design & Location Criteria Benefit to the Town Application Requirements Application Process... 3 APPENDIX A... 4 APPENDIX B... 5 i/i

3 1.0 Introduction The Feed-in Tariff (FIT) Program, implemented by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA), was enabled by the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, which was passed into law on May 14, It is Ontario s first comprehensive guaranteed pricing structure for renewable electricity production, and offers stable prices under long-term contracts for energy generated from renewable sources. The provincial government launched a review of the FIT Program in October, 2011 after it had been in place for two (2) years, and on August 10, 2012, the updated FIT program was approved. As part of the updated FIT program, a priority points system was established to prioritize projects that, among other things, receive support from the local municipality in the form of a Council Resolution. 2.0 Purpose The purpose of this Protocol is to define the process that applicants will follow to apply for a Council Resolution in support of a renewable energy project through Ontario Power Authority s FIT program. This Protocol establishes the circumstances under which such a Council Resolution support will be provided. 3.0 Exemption Town Staff considers it appropriate to support efforts that enable local farmers to conduct their business in the most cost efficient manner. The Town s farming community is vital to the success and wellbeing of the Town and beyond. As such, the following identifies the requirements for an applicant to be eligible for exemption: Owner and Operator of an active farm in the Town of New Tecumseth; Agricultural Zone; and, Meet the Design & Location Criteria in the FIT Protocol. If all of the above criteria are met, the applicant will be exempt from the FIT application process and related fees. 4.0 Scope The requirements of this Protocol apply to any applicant seeking a Town Council Resolution for a project located in the Town of New Tecumseth as part of the FIT application process. It is acknowledged that under the Green Energy and Green Economy Act (2009), renewable energy projects are exempt from municipal approval and that the municipality can only support such installations and not regulate or refuse to allow such installations. Note that Council has determined that Town Staff will not complete the Fit application Zoning forms. 1/5

4 5.0 Design & Location Criteria The Town supports the siting of renewable energy projects in appropriate locations that will have no impact or impacts that can be mitigated on nearby land users. For this reason, the following projects are desirable and are considered favourably: Projects on Town-owned land or facilities; Rooftop solar projects; and, Projects located in Employment Designations. Conversely, the following projects may potentially adversely impact nearby land uses, and are not supported: Wind farms; and, Non-rooftop mounted solar projects within any Settlement Area Boundary. 6.0 Benefit to the Town To encourage renewable energy projects that will positively contribute to the municipality, over and above supplying a clean energy option, applicants are required to demonstrate how their project will commit a benefit to the Town to be considered for a Council Resolution of support. A benefit may include, but is not limited to: Funds resulting from a lease on Town-owned land/facilities; Any augmentation of Town lands or facilities; Agreement to use local labour for installation and/or maintenance; Demonstrated economic spinoff to Town businesses as a result of the proposed project; Benefit to a group of local residents, local charity, or other organization; and, Other demonstrated advantage to the Town and its residents. 7.0 Application Requirements Applicants requesting a Council Resolution of support will submit the following as part of this application: 1. Completed Application form (Appendix A ); 2. Required processing fee of $2,500; 3. Map illustrating the subject property and surrounding area; 4. Description of proposed project, including location of any related facilities; 5. For non-rooftop projects, a site plan drawing with the proposed setbacks to each lot line; and, 6. Documentation confirming how the proposed project will provide a benefit to the Town of New Tecumseth. 2/5

5 8.0 Application Process Appendix B outlines the process for an application seeking a Council Resolution of support. Applicants will participate in a pre-consultation meeting with staff prior to submitting an application. This initial step in the process is intended to provide the applicant with a better understanding of the requirements of the protocol and conversely for the Town to be introduced to the project. All items listed above are to be submitted as part of the formal application submission. Staff will then review the application for completeness and will circulate to internal departments and any appropriate external agencies, as necessary, for their comments. A staff report will be brought forward for Council s consideration of the application, at which time Council will make their decision on whether the proposed will receive a Council Resolution of support. 3/5

6 APPENDIX A FIT APPLICATIONS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY APPLICATION FORM Location of Subject Lands: Street Address: Legal Address: Type of Project: Registered Owner of Proposed Site Name: Address: Province: Phone: Fax: City: Postal Code: Inquiries regarding this application should be directed to (Applicant): Company Name: Contact: Address: Province: Phone: Fax: City: Postal Code: THIS APPLICATION TO BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED WITH SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND FULL FEE TO: Planning and Development Department Town of New Tecumseth 10 Wellington Street West Alliston, ON L9R 1A1 ATTN: DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 4/5

7 APPENDIX B FIT APPLICATIONS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY APPLICATION PROCESS The following is intended to be a guideline only and should be used in consultation with the Protocol. PRE SUBMISSION CONSULTATION WITH TOWN STAFF SUBMIT APPLICATION MATERIALS REVIEW OF APPLICATION REPORT TO COUNCIL WITH RECOMMENDATION DETERMINATION OF COUNCIL POSITION FAVOURABLE COUNCIL RESOLUTION SUPPORT PROVIDED BY WAY OF PRESCRIBED FORM UNFAVOURABLE COUNCIL RESOLUTION SUPPORT NOT PROVIDED 5/5