Take a moment this Earth Day to send a message to the Premier to tell him that nuclear is not green: Dalton.McGuinty@premier.gov.on.ca
Below, take a look at our submission to the Government on the Green Energy and Green Economy Act. Please feel free to take these arguments and ideas in your own letters to MPPs.
Dear Mr. Day,
Thank you for accepting our submission for comment on the Green Energy and Green Economy Act. I am writing to you on behalf of the Youth Coalition for a Renewable Ontario, which represents four youth-run organizations based in the province.
We would like to begin by congratulating the Government of Ontario on the Act. We support the goals as well as the main mechanism to increase renewable energy, that being the feed-in-tariff. The time to introduce Bill 150 was yesterday, however, we note North American leadership in this legislation and appreciate the speed at which it has been developed under the direction of Deputy Premier George Smitherman.
The Coalition understands that there is more that can be done within the Act and that nuclear investment in the province would force renewable generation to compete with a large, highly subsidised industry. We therefore recommend a number of changes and/or additions so that the Act:
- eliminates the ability for nuclear generation companies to pass capital cost overruns onto taxpayers and ratepayers, and implement stiff penalties for project delays;
- does not allow the government to bypass public review of major non-renewable generation proposals;
- includes combined heat and power in the feed-in-tariff program;
- allows for all possible opportunities to increase demand-side management and conservation in all provincial sectors;
- defines strong conservation targets within the Building Code;
- includes prices for community and First Nations projects for all types of renewable power development;
- includes ambitious targets for conservation and renewable power;
- increases the 2MW cap for community based water power; and
- does not place green energy projects in already threatened farmland, forest, prairie or wetland.
In the worst recession in six decades it is evident that this Act, particularly with the above additions and those being recommended by the Green Energy Act Coalition, will be able to increase green jobs within the province and allow Ontario to move to a 100% clean, just and renewable energy system.
Sincerely
Darcy Higgins, on behalf of the
Youth Coalition for a Renewable Ontario
Sierra Youth Coalition
Students Against Climate Change
University of Waterloo Sustainability Project
Queen's Backing Action on Climate Change
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
An update on Scarborough Bluffs wind study
For those of you who are interested - a letter explaining where they are in the current study. Members of the present Youth Coalition were involved in these meetings.
This is the text from the pdf which I can send out.
April 13, 2009
Dear Interested Resident:
Re: Notice of Completion – Proposed Toronto Hydro Lake Ontario Anemometer
MNR Class Environmental Assessment Process, Category B Project
Toronto Hydro Energy Services (TH Energy) has recently submitted an application to the Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources (MNR) to conduct testing of wind resources in order to secure a Land Use Permit and an Application of
Record Status for Crown lands. The Land Use Permit and the Application of Record Status secure the right to use
the Crown Land area approved for exploration, on condition that all MNR requirements, including Environmental
Assessment (EA) requirements, are met. The TH Energy proposal is part of a two year exploration phase to
determine the potential economic viability for the development of a possible wind energy facility. The proposed
boundary of the Land Use Permit and the Application of Record Status is attached.
The Notice of Commencement
was previously issued on August 12 and 13, 2008.
TH Energy proposes to construct an anemometer platform to conduct the wind testing. An anemometer is a
miniature weather station that tests for wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity etc. An anemometer
platform is a stand-alone structure that would be affixed to the lake-bottom, with two small wind generators and a
solar photovoltaic (PV) panel to power the instruments. It is a temporary structure and will be removed after it has
served its purpose. The proposed structure has the following general dimensions/characteristics:
• A structural steel platform located in approximately 12.2 m of water extending from lake bottom to
approximately 4 m above lake water level;
• A width of approximately 5 m; and
• An anemometer instrument, auxiliary power system and navigation lights located atop this platform.
Additional project information is available on our website at the following address:
www.torontohydroenergy.com/offshorewind.
A Category B project evaluation and consultation process was carried out in accordance with the Class EA process
for MNR Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects, and it identified no significant adverse
environmental effects. As part of this Class EA process, consultation with the public was held at two separate
meetings (November/08 and January/09) in order to consult on the project with local stakeholders and other
interested parties. Further, a Project Evaluation Report was prepared in order to document the evaluation undertaken
and the consultation process carried out.
The Project Evaluation Report will be on public display for review and is available at the following locations during
normal business hours:
Toronto Hydro Corporation
14 Carlton Street
Toronto, ON
Phone: 416-542-3000
Ministry of Natural Resources
50 Bloomington Road West
Aurora, ON
Phone: 905-713-7386
Scarborough Civic Centre (Clerk’s Office)
150 Borough Drive, 3rd Floor
Toronto, ON
Phone: 416-396-7288
City of Pickering (Clerk’s Office)
One The Esplanade
Pickering, ON
Phone: 905-420-4660
Town of Ajax (Clerk’s Office)
65 Harwood Ave. S.
Ajax, ON
Phone: 905-683-4550
Port Union Library
Port Union Recreation Centre
5450 Lawrence Ave. East
Toronto, ON
Phone: 416-396-8885
Cliffcrest Library
Cliffcrest Plaza
3017 Kingston Road
Toronto, ON
Phone: 416-396-8916
Guildwood Library
Guildwood Plaza
123 Guildwood Parkway
Toronto, ON
Phone: 416-396-8872
Taylor Memorial Library
1440 Kingston Road
Toronto, ON
Phone: 416-396-8939
The public review period will commence on April 15, 2009 and continue for a period of 30-calendar days (ending
May 14, 2009). Interested persons may provide written comments to MNR or AECOM (acting on behalf of Toronto
Hydro) listed below within the review period.
Mark Patterson
Ministry of Natural Resources
50 Bloomington Road West
Aurora, Ontario L4G 3G8
Phone: 905-713-7386
Fax: 905-713-7361
E-mail: Mark.Patterson@mnr.gov.on.ca
Ian Dobrindt, MCIP, RPP, CCEP
AECOM
300 Town Centre Blvd, Suite 300
Markham, Ontario L3R 5Z6
Phone: 905-477-8400 x 213
Fax: 905-477-1456
E-mail: Ian.Dobrindt@aecom.com
Where there are outstanding concerns about this project that cannot be resolved in discussion with MNR, concerned
parties have an opportunity to formally request the Minister of the Environment to issue a Part II Order requiring the
project be subject to an Individual Environmental Assessment (IEA) under the Environmental Assessment Act. As
this decision rests with the Minister of Environment, please direct your inquiries in this regard to the Minister at the
following address, and copy to MNR and TH Energy, before the end of the 30 calendar day review period (May 14,
2009):
Minister of the Environment
135 St. Clair Avenue
10th Floor, Toronto, ON M4V 1P5
If MNR considers there are no significant outstanding concerns by the end of the 30-calendar day review period, the
MNR may permit the implementation of the undertaking without further public notice.
In addition to the MNR EA requirements, the proposal is also subject to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
(CEAA), as it is anticipated that a federal trigger will occur. A CEAA Screening may take place to seek formal
Federal approvals.
Yours very truly,
TORONTO HYDRO CORPORATION
Joyce McLean
Director, Strategic Issues
cc: I. Dobrindt, AECOM
M. Patterson, Ministry of Natural Resources
Proposed Boundary for Applicant of Record Status including Land Use Permit Location
This is the text from the pdf which I can send out.
April 13, 2009
Dear Interested Resident:
Re: Notice of Completion – Proposed Toronto Hydro Lake Ontario Anemometer
MNR Class Environmental Assessment Process, Category B Project
Toronto Hydro Energy Services (TH Energy) has recently submitted an application to the Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources (MNR) to conduct testing of wind resources in order to secure a Land Use Permit and an Application of
Record Status for Crown lands. The Land Use Permit and the Application of Record Status secure the right to use
the Crown Land area approved for exploration, on condition that all MNR requirements, including Environmental
Assessment (EA) requirements, are met. The TH Energy proposal is part of a two year exploration phase to
determine the potential economic viability for the development of a possible wind energy facility. The proposed
boundary of the Land Use Permit and the Application of Record Status is attached.
The Notice of Commencement
was previously issued on August 12 and 13, 2008.
TH Energy proposes to construct an anemometer platform to conduct the wind testing. An anemometer is a
miniature weather station that tests for wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity etc. An anemometer
platform is a stand-alone structure that would be affixed to the lake-bottom, with two small wind generators and a
solar photovoltaic (PV) panel to power the instruments. It is a temporary structure and will be removed after it has
served its purpose. The proposed structure has the following general dimensions/characteristics:
• A structural steel platform located in approximately 12.2 m of water extending from lake bottom to
approximately 4 m above lake water level;
• A width of approximately 5 m; and
• An anemometer instrument, auxiliary power system and navigation lights located atop this platform.
Additional project information is available on our website at the following address:
www.torontohydroenergy.com/offshorewind.
A Category B project evaluation and consultation process was carried out in accordance with the Class EA process
for MNR Resource Stewardship and Facility Development Projects, and it identified no significant adverse
environmental effects. As part of this Class EA process, consultation with the public was held at two separate
meetings (November/08 and January/09) in order to consult on the project with local stakeholders and other
interested parties. Further, a Project Evaluation Report was prepared in order to document the evaluation undertaken
and the consultation process carried out.
The Project Evaluation Report will be on public display for review and is available at the following locations during
normal business hours:
Toronto Hydro Corporation
14 Carlton Street
Toronto, ON
Phone: 416-542-3000
Ministry of Natural Resources
50 Bloomington Road West
Aurora, ON
Phone: 905-713-7386
Scarborough Civic Centre (Clerk’s Office)
150 Borough Drive, 3rd Floor
Toronto, ON
Phone: 416-396-7288
City of Pickering (Clerk’s Office)
One The Esplanade
Pickering, ON
Phone: 905-420-4660
Town of Ajax (Clerk’s Office)
65 Harwood Ave. S.
Ajax, ON
Phone: 905-683-4550
Port Union Library
Port Union Recreation Centre
5450 Lawrence Ave. East
Toronto, ON
Phone: 416-396-8885
Cliffcrest Library
Cliffcrest Plaza
3017 Kingston Road
Toronto, ON
Phone: 416-396-8916
Guildwood Library
Guildwood Plaza
123 Guildwood Parkway
Toronto, ON
Phone: 416-396-8872
Taylor Memorial Library
1440 Kingston Road
Toronto, ON
Phone: 416-396-8939
The public review period will commence on April 15, 2009 and continue for a period of 30-calendar days (ending
May 14, 2009). Interested persons may provide written comments to MNR or AECOM (acting on behalf of Toronto
Hydro) listed below within the review period.
Mark Patterson
Ministry of Natural Resources
50 Bloomington Road West
Aurora, Ontario L4G 3G8
Phone: 905-713-7386
Fax: 905-713-7361
E-mail: Mark.Patterson@mnr.gov.on.ca
Ian Dobrindt, MCIP, RPP, CCEP
AECOM
300 Town Centre Blvd, Suite 300
Markham, Ontario L3R 5Z6
Phone: 905-477-8400 x 213
Fax: 905-477-1456
E-mail: Ian.Dobrindt@aecom.com
Where there are outstanding concerns about this project that cannot be resolved in discussion with MNR, concerned
parties have an opportunity to formally request the Minister of the Environment to issue a Part II Order requiring the
project be subject to an Individual Environmental Assessment (IEA) under the Environmental Assessment Act. As
this decision rests with the Minister of Environment, please direct your inquiries in this regard to the Minister at the
following address, and copy to MNR and TH Energy, before the end of the 30 calendar day review period (May 14,
2009):
Minister of the Environment
135 St. Clair Avenue
10th Floor, Toronto, ON M4V 1P5
If MNR considers there are no significant outstanding concerns by the end of the 30-calendar day review period, the
MNR may permit the implementation of the undertaking without further public notice.
In addition to the MNR EA requirements, the proposal is also subject to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
(CEAA), as it is anticipated that a federal trigger will occur. A CEAA Screening may take place to seek formal
Federal approvals.
Yours very truly,
TORONTO HYDRO CORPORATION
Joyce McLean
Director, Strategic Issues
cc: I. Dobrindt, AECOM
M. Patterson, Ministry of Natural Resources
Proposed Boundary for Applicant of Record Status including Land Use Permit Location
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Nuclear Globally
A new study on stating that nuclear cannot make an impact in fighting climate change.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Wind Power in Canada
Wind Power, where oh where is the Wind Power in our Country? Can you say everywhere, oh yes it is everywhere. Wind is not dying down at all. How come there aren't many Wind Turbines to hold the power and turn us into a renewable energy leader?
Well, I have travelled across this country and seen some really amazing Wind Power projects and feel that there is a need to just continue building. The best part about Wind is that you know that somewhere in the country the wind always blows. The province with the most Wind Turbines is Alberta, yes Alberta. Even with the Tar Sands they have amazing projects going on everywhere. Only as of last year did they get rid of their cap on Turbines.
Now where is Ontario on this issue? Well, so far behind that we can't even say the Government supports Wind Turbines until we, the citizens of Ontario, see action. We have one in Downtown Toronto, which makes people in power feel so happy they are doing good on the environment. Even as companies in Ontario try to put in new Wind Turbine projects, NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) groups say "We don't like the looks of them." Do they want a shiny new fur coat on a wind turbine? I feel that many people in Ontario just don't get this at all.
The right solution for Ontario is to allow every single person in the province to put up a small wind power project on their roof. This way we can take hold of the real power that is coming around us everyday. The amount of power that the Wind could produce would be enough to take out all Coal and Nuclear Power Stations.
The ironic thing is that the Nuclear Power in Pickering Ontario has a Wind Turbine on the site but it doesn't do anything. Just sits there everyday, and goes around and around and around.
Why can't we just create a 100% renewable energy future in Ontario? There is no reason we can't. We need to Green our skylight.
Goal: Put a Wind Turbine on the CN Tower
Well, I have travelled across this country and seen some really amazing Wind Power projects and feel that there is a need to just continue building. The best part about Wind is that you know that somewhere in the country the wind always blows. The province with the most Wind Turbines is Alberta, yes Alberta. Even with the Tar Sands they have amazing projects going on everywhere. Only as of last year did they get rid of their cap on Turbines.
Now where is Ontario on this issue? Well, so far behind that we can't even say the Government supports Wind Turbines until we, the citizens of Ontario, see action. We have one in Downtown Toronto, which makes people in power feel so happy they are doing good on the environment. Even as companies in Ontario try to put in new Wind Turbine projects, NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) groups say "We don't like the looks of them." Do they want a shiny new fur coat on a wind turbine? I feel that many people in Ontario just don't get this at all.
The right solution for Ontario is to allow every single person in the province to put up a small wind power project on their roof. This way we can take hold of the real power that is coming around us everyday. The amount of power that the Wind could produce would be enough to take out all Coal and Nuclear Power Stations.
The ironic thing is that the Nuclear Power in Pickering Ontario has a Wind Turbine on the site but it doesn't do anything. Just sits there everyday, and goes around and around and around.
Why can't we just create a 100% renewable energy future in Ontario? There is no reason we can't. We need to Green our skylight.
Goal: Put a Wind Turbine on the CN Tower
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
EVENT - No Nukes in Ontario: a teach-in!
Mar 13-14, 2009, at the U of T
Join us for a teach-in on nuclear energy in Ontario. What are the concerns surrounding nuclear energy, and what are the alternatives?
On the evening of Friday March 13 at 7:00 p.m. there will a screening of the film Battle of Chernobyl. Earth Sciences Auditorium (ES 1050), 33 Willcocks, U of T. For a description of the movie see http://icarusfilms.com/new2007/batt.html
Workshops will be held all day on Saturday Mar. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Kofffler Centre, 569 Spadina (just north of College St.), Room 108, U of T
This conference will provide valuable information on the cost, the health effects, the ethical considerations, and the effectiveness of nuclear energy as compared to alternatives (e.g. renewable energy sources).
$25 – or pay-what-you-can. Free for U of T students.
Speakers include
- Jack Gibbons, Ontario Clearn Air Alliance
- Dave Martin, Greenpeace
- Shawn-Patrick Stensil, Greenpeace
- Dr. Dorothy Goldin-Rosenberg, OISE
- Cherise Burda, Pembina
- Keith Stewart, World Wildlife Fund
- Greg Allen
- Phyllis Creighton, Veterans Against Nuclear Arms
- Helen Chilas, Canadian Voice Of Women for Peace
- Jim Elve, Nanticoke
- John Morand, Port Hope
- Norm Rubin, Energy Probe
- Vinay Jindal, Physicians for Global Survival
- Jos Higginson
And many more.
Sponsored by: Ontario Clean Air Alliance, Greenpeace, University of Toronto Students Union, Students Against Climate Change, Veterans Against Nuclear Arms, Hiroshima Day Coalition, Canadian Voice of Women for Peace, Planet in Focus, and Physicians for Global Survival.
_____
Want more background info? Check out
http://www.renewableisdoable.ca
http://Blogs.greenpeace.ca/nuclear
http://ontariosgreenfuture.ca
Register now! http://nuketeachin.eventbrite.com
For more info: nuketeachin@yahoo.ca
Join us for a teach-in on nuclear energy in Ontario. What are the concerns surrounding nuclear energy, and what are the alternatives?
On the evening of Friday March 13 at 7:00 p.m. there will a screening of the film Battle of Chernobyl. Earth Sciences Auditorium (ES 1050), 33 Willcocks, U of T. For a description of the movie see http://icarusfilms.com/new2007/batt.html
Workshops will be held all day on Saturday Mar. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Kofffler Centre, 569 Spadina (just north of College St.), Room 108, U of T
This conference will provide valuable information on the cost, the health effects, the ethical considerations, and the effectiveness of nuclear energy as compared to alternatives (e.g. renewable energy sources).
$25 – or pay-what-you-can. Free for U of T students.
Speakers include
- Jack Gibbons, Ontario Clearn Air Alliance
- Dave Martin, Greenpeace
- Shawn-Patrick Stensil, Greenpeace
- Dr. Dorothy Goldin-Rosenberg, OISE
- Cherise Burda, Pembina
- Keith Stewart, World Wildlife Fund
- Greg Allen
- Phyllis Creighton, Veterans Against Nuclear Arms
- Helen Chilas, Canadian Voice Of Women for Peace
- Jim Elve, Nanticoke
- John Morand, Port Hope
- Norm Rubin, Energy Probe
- Vinay Jindal, Physicians for Global Survival
- Jos Higginson
And many more.
Sponsored by: Ontario Clean Air Alliance, Greenpeace, University of Toronto Students Union, Students Against Climate Change, Veterans Against Nuclear Arms, Hiroshima Day Coalition, Canadian Voice of Women for Peace, Planet in Focus, and Physicians for Global Survival.
_____
Want more background info? Check out
http://www.renewableisdoable.ca
http://Blogs.greenpeace.ca/nuclear
http://ontariosgreenfuture.ca
Register now! http://nuketeachin.eventbrite.com
For more info: nuketeachin@yahoo.ca
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Green Jobs...
With the new Green Energy Act out in the wild there are 50,000 jobs that are going to be created with this act. With this we need to see more Fairs that are geared towards Green Jobs to create a Green Economy. All these fairs of late have been well attended as the economy goes downhill more every month, and the way out of this recession is jobs in renewable energy.
We don't need jobs in the Nuclear Industry but in the renewable energy area, which is good for everyone in any diversity community. We can create this in industry, commercial firms, and environmental NGOs to provide a comprehensive representation of the potential clean green economy future. It is our hope that through presenting employment options that extend beyond traditional consumer and manufacturing culture, participants will be inspired to work towards a truly innovative future.
Pushing the Ontario Government to create more jobs in renewable energy is the way to go. With this, Ontario should be investing in more Green Job Fair as Youth are having a hard time finding jobs in Green Economy. If we are able to get every Youth into industries that are safe and green, we will be pushing ahead of other provinces and countries. Our goal should be to create more jobs in Clean Energy than any country in Europe.
Tell the MPP in your area to create a new way forward by providing a huge list of where youth can find Green Jobs. Youth are willing to work in the Clean Green Economy more then any other age group. We need to send a message to our MPPs, we want Jobs in Renewable Energy.
We don't need jobs in the Nuclear Industry but in the renewable energy area, which is good for everyone in any diversity community. We can create this in industry, commercial firms, and environmental NGOs to provide a comprehensive representation of the potential clean green economy future. It is our hope that through presenting employment options that extend beyond traditional consumer and manufacturing culture, participants will be inspired to work towards a truly innovative future.
Pushing the Ontario Government to create more jobs in renewable energy is the way to go. With this, Ontario should be investing in more Green Job Fair as Youth are having a hard time finding jobs in Green Economy. If we are able to get every Youth into industries that are safe and green, we will be pushing ahead of other provinces and countries. Our goal should be to create more jobs in Clean Energy than any country in Europe.
Tell the MPP in your area to create a new way forward by providing a huge list of where youth can find Green Jobs. Youth are willing to work in the Clean Green Economy more then any other age group. We need to send a message to our MPPs, we want Jobs in Renewable Energy.
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