The province’s New Green Energy Act is moving through at the provincial level.
And Collingwood Councillor Norm Sandberg says there are some good things, and some bad things with the act.
Sandberg is also Collingwood’s AMO Representative.
He says it’s good that the province has recognized green energy as a priority, and that it is better for the people of Ontairo.
He also says and the act will probably incorporate an extension of conservation programs for the homeowner and business owner too.
But he says there are bad things about it as well.
Sandberg says that because Ontario is excited to get the legislation passed, they are streamlining the approval process.
He says that means the municipality is removed from the process, so windfarms and other green energy projects can go ahead without the approval of municipalities.
This means individual municipal concerns won’t be addressed through the planning process.
Sandberg says he made it clear that if we’re not going to be completely involved in the process, then we shouldn’t be part of it at all.
He says they don’t want to be seen as the face of the process if they aren’t making decisions in it, because the municipal government is closest to those affected.