Bill to give Municipal Governments a Voice in Green Energy planning process

Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark is welcoming the introduction of a Private Member’s Bill by his Ontario PC Caucus colleague MPP Todd Smith to restore local municipal control over green energy projects. Smith, who represents the Eastern Ontario riding of Prince Edward-Hastings, introduced the Local Municipality Democracy Act, 2011 in the Ontario Legislature.

PHOTO CREDIT - OurHometown.ca

Brockville - November 29, 2011 - Leeds-Grenville MPP Steve Clark is welcoming the introduction of a Private Member’s Bill by his Ontario PC Caucus colleague MPP Todd Smith to restore local municipal control over green energy projects.

Smith, who represents the Eastern Ontario riding of Prince Edward-Hastings, introduced the Local Municipality Democracy Act, 2011 in the Ontario Legislature on Monday, November 28.

“This is an issue that I have been saying needs to be addressed since I was first elected 18 months ago,” said Clark. “I’ve heard from local residents and from members of local councils that they need a strong voice in these planning decisions. MPP Smith’s bill will give them that necessary tool.”

Smith’s bill is designed to restore municipal planning, bylaw and restriction authority that was stripped from them by the Green Energy Act.

“This isn’t a debate about green energy. This is about the Ontario government treating its municipal partners with respect and understanding that they have a critical role in the planning process,” stressed Clark.

Clark noted he has also launched a petition to allow residents of Leeds-Grenville - many of whom have contacted his constituency office with concerns about green energy projects - to make sure they can add their voices to those calling for local input.

“In the October 6 provincial election, all across this province we saw rural ridings turn their backs on Dalton McGuinty and his Green Energy Act by electing Progressive Conservative MPPs to speak up for them at Queen’s Park,” said Clark.

Clark, who serves as PC Critic for Municipal Affairs and Housing, noted more than 79 Ontario municipalities have passed resolutions calling for municipal planning authority to be restored on green energy projects.

“I hope that Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Kathleen Wynne will recognize what local governments across Ontario are demanding and support this bill to restore that planning authority,” said Clark.

“It simply defies logic that a local council has more input on where a resident can build a new garage than they do over a massive wind factory or solar farm.”