Mon, January 16, 2023
Jana Jandal Alrifai from the Windsor Essex Youth Climate Council told council the vote will show the city's priorities. (City of Windsor council meeting - image credit)
Windsor council will back a proposal to add 100 megawatts of capacity to the electric system through two natural gas-powered turbines — despite concerns from some residents that it would hurt the environment.
Capital Power wants to add two peaking fired units at its east Windsor cogeneration facility at 244 Cadillac St. The company says it only intends to use the plant when demand spikes. Council voted 8-2 to back the plan.
That drew ire at a Monday council meeting, when several people spoke against the proposal.
Opponents said the project could lead to environmental degradation, increased air pollution, carbon emissions, and fly in the face of the city declaring a climate emergency. Some shouted and called out "shame" during the vote.
"This decision will show us what the true agenda of this council is," said Jana Jandal Alrifai from the Windsor Essex Youth Climate Council.
"Show us when council gives us the words, you stick to that."
But city staff say Windsor needs new sources of energy in light of the Stellantis-LG Energy Solution electric vehicle battery plant coming to the city.
Submitted by Capital Power
Natural gas, staff said, is also a temporary solution.
"Over time, the IESO expects that natural gas generation will be replaced by a portfolio approach that includes new non-emitting generation, storage, as well as demand-side and transmission solutions," the staff report said.
"As this transition occurs, natural gas will continue to provide stability to the system as new forms of flexible supply are built, tested and connected to the grid."
Jim Morrison, Ward 10 councillor, said the move is necessary to address the "big gap" in local energy supply. He said ideally, the power generated by the expansion won't even be necessary.
It's like "you buy insurance on your house, on your car, and you hope you don't need it," he said.
Fabio Costante (Ward 2) said he couldn't support it in light of the city's climate emergency declaration.
"There's no question that we're in an environmental crisis not just locally, but across the globe," he said.
The details of the plan are to be worked out between Capital Power and the Independent Electricity System Operator, the body that manages the power system and makes plans for future energy needs in the province.
With Monday's vote, the city is endorsing the project moving forward.
How they voted
Who supported the expansion
Renaldo Agostino (Ward 3), Mark McKenzie (4), Ed Sleiman (5), Jo-Anne Gignac (6), Gary Kaschak (8), Kieran McKenzie (9), Mayor Drew Dilkens.
Who was opposed
Fabio Costante (2), Angelo Marignani (7).
Absent
Fred Francis (Ward 1).
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