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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, November 11, 2009 · 4 Flynn wants moratorium on gas-powered generators By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF TransCanada has yet to begin construction on a 900-megawatt gas-fired power plant planned for the Ford-owned lands of 1500 Royal Windsor Dr., and Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn plans to keep it that way. Flynn announced Tuesday that he is seeking a moratorium on the construction of all gas power facilities in Ontario so the government and the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) will have the opportunity to examine and consider regulations that will determine how far such a power plant should be from a residential area. Flynn noted such a revamping of provincial policy is necessary given the OPA's Sept. 30, decision to award a contract to a proponent whose Oakville site is only 400 metres away from the nearest resi$ SUPPLIED PHOTO / TRANSCANADA VISION OF THE FUTURE: A photo illustration of TransCanada's 900-megawatt, gas-fired power plant at 1500 Royal Windsor Dr. dential area. "The TransCanada site on Ford property is so poorly suited for a power plant its selection defies logic," said Flynn. "I am drafting a setback regulation and calling upon the government and the OPA to suspend construction of the TransCanada facility and review the strategy of building power plants near residential communities without proper environmental assessments." Those living in the vicinity of the proposed power plant have engaged in a number of rallies and protests since it was learned that Oakville had been selected as one of four possible sites. The protests have been largely motivated by the fear that the power plant will add to what many feel is the area's already overburdened airshed. The health issues surrounding the power plant have been of great concern for Oakville Mayor Rob Burton who noted Flynn's request for a moratorium makes sense. "Separation of incompatible land uses ought to be a prime concern of the provincial government and you have to ask why they have a 550 metre separation distance for wind turbines from homes and no separation distance at all for 900megawatt fossil fuel fired turbines and homes," said Burton. Flynn noted his proposed moratorium, which will only affect gasfired power plants that have yet to be issued construction permits, will be brought before Queen's Park in the next few days. He said it has not yet been ironed out exactly how far a power plant should be from a residential zone, but said logic dictates that a 900-megawatt gas-fired power plant be considerably farther away than the 550 metres separation distance required for a wind turbine. Not everyone is in agreement. OPA spokesperson Ben Chin said he sees no problem with the Oakville site location noting the area is properly zoned for such a power plant. "In terms of proximity to resi- 39 o.a.c. as low as 95 9 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER $3900 Up to per month ST THE BIGGE In Tax Credit & Instant Rebate DON'T MISS *Free central air ED TIME OUT! LIMIT (Installation Extra) SALE R! OFFE Financing Available * Call For Details * OVER 60,000 SATISFIED CUSTOMERS Plus: Plus NO Payment NO Interest For 6 Months O.A.C. O AC FREE CENTRAL A R E ENTRAL AIR SCRATCH Purchase a Hi Efficiency Furnace and Receive a chase Reserve now and you will receive a central air absolutely free. 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Chin said the Chief Medical Officer of Health of Ontario has found there is no evidence of any adverse health effects as the result of gas-fired power plants. TransCanada spokesperson Chris Breen said his company is looking forward to reviewing the power plant's potential environmental impact and pointed out they have more than doubled the mandatory review period from 30 days to 75 days. "There is a process in place and the process is run by the Ministry of the Environment. It's run by health and environmental professionals who work for the ministry," he said. "That's the process in place, that's the process we support, that's the process we cooperate with and we look forward to doing the same in Oakville," said Breen. DON'T MISS OUT ON TAX REBATE CREDIT! 905-849-4998 www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665 9 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER *See dealer for details A+ Rating Christmas is coming and so are your guests! Frameless Shower Enclosure is sure to impress! 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