FERGUS – Some residents and councillors feel independent power producer, Aypa Power’s proposed battery storage facility could jeopardize public safety and agricultural land. A public meeting was held last night regarding the company’s plans for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and a zoning bylaw amendment that would be required for the plan to move forward. This public meeting follows the initial proposal brought to council in November of 2023.
Several residents spoke out about possible health and environmental impacts of the project. In November of 2023, over 30 residents shared similar concerns.
Long-time Centre Wellington resident, Anthea Millikin, spoke at the meeting last night and said there are just too many unanswered questions.
Donna McCaw, with Save Our Water, said the fire risk is too high with unknown health implications.
Environmental concerns were top of mind for the former president of the Wellington Federation of Agriculture. Janet Harrop says the risk to soil would affect that agricultural land for years to come.
Council also took turns asking questions with many focusing on the location. Councillor Jennifer Adams had concerns regarding the size of the facility and the proximity to a future residential site.
Ondrej Benjik, Director of Development with Aypa Power, said this will not be Ontario’s largest facility.
The parcel of land is known as 6235 Guelph Street. The property currently supports an active agricultural operation, and two residences. To the north is land that is planned for residential use.
Councillor Kimberly Jefferson asked the local chief how their volunteer fire department would be prepared for a fire at such a facility. Chief Tom Mulvey says the department would know how to handle the risks associated with a fire at one of the storage systems.
He says they also spoke with the Brantford site regarding a recent fire, to see how they handle the situation.
No decision was made and council said this topic would come back on the agenda at a future date.
