October 30th, 2023
Message from Mayor Burrow re: Crystal Energy BESS Project
Full Media Release: Media Release – Crystal Energy BESS Project
Click below to read:
Letter from the Minister of Energy, Todd Smith – March 2022
Letter from the Minister of Energy, Todd Smith – December 2022
NEW DUBLIN – The Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley has been experiencing a sharp
increase in public interest and inquiries regarding the Battery Energy Storage System
(BESS) project being proposed by Crystal Energy Storage LP.
Two recurring themes, in particular, will benefit from some clarification.
The upcoming public meeting (being held at Station #3 Fire Hall, 410 County Rd 29, Toledo,
ON, K0E 1Y0, on the evening of November 2, 2023, 6pm-8pm) is being organized and
hosted by the proponent – Crystal Energy Storage LP. Council’s discussion on the matter
will occur at a future Council meeting (currently scheduled for November 13, 2023), after the
proponent has made a presentation to Council.
Although the meeting is not being hosted by the Township, we are pleased to assist in
trying to promote the opportunity for the public to engage with the proponent.
Additionally, there was some initial confusion regarding the role that Council would play in
the approval or non-approval of the project. In the past, across the Province, local Council
support was not ultimately required for power related projects such as solar farms and wind
turbines. A Council’s support enhanced the points evaluation process, but a lack of such
did not provide any assurance that a corresponding project would not proceed.
“I am happy to share with our residents that the legislative framework was fixed in recent
years, and local Councils do play a crucial role in the approval process for projects such as
the proposed Battery Energy Storage System.”, said Mayor Brant Burrow. He went on to
say it has been made clear to him that while storage facilities do not “create energy”, they
still fall under the same revised legislative approach.
“Our MPP, Steve Clark, has provided me with the attached documents as reassurance, and
I am satisfied that local decision-making – affirmative or negative – will be respected by the
IESO and the Province,” he said. “I urge people to keep an open mind and to trust in the
process. Council will take everything into account when it makes its final decision.”
For more information contact:
Mayor Brant Burrow
613-342-9006 or mayor@ektwp.ca
Leslie Drynan, Administrator (CAO)/Clerk
613-342-7480 ext. 237 or ldrynan@ektwp.ca