Update July 8, 2010
The Air Quality Task Force (AQTF) chaired by David Balsillie has concluded and the report can be find thru the link below.
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/en/air/swgta-air/message.php
It is a positive report with recommendations to reduce the pollution in the Oakville Clarkson Airshed. There are still several stages that have to be implemented thru the government before the recommendations are put in place. To improve the air quality in our community it will require all forms of government to participate, as well as industry and community alike.
This is a positive first step.
Another note, the community should be aware that relocation of the power plant could mean that Clearview would receive a new transmission line of towers (500 k line) along the border of Clearview over the Kingsford Park area. We are reviewing this new development and are looking at alternatives and clarification of this new development. We want the community to be aware of this. Any questions - contact Laura Mang - lmang@cogeco.ca
Update May 17, 2010
In just 3 days C4CA is marching on the Ford Plant.
Come out and support the community’s efforts to obtain protection from gas-fired power plants.
We are asking the Government to order an Individual Environmental Assessment and we want Ford to insist on one!
An IEA will ensure alternatives are considered.
Wednesday May 19th
Start time : 3:45pm
Meet at the corner of Ford Drive and Kingsway Drive (just south of the QEW)
Rain or Shine, allow time to get parked.
Carpooling is recommended.
Please bring signs, noisemakers
We will be walking over to the Ford Headquarters to deliver a request for an Individual Environmental Assessment of the plans for an Oakville Generating Station. We think that Ford management needs to be reminded that not only are their neighbours affected by the company’s plans to sell the land to TransCanada, but that the company has not considered their own employees’ safety.
This is a media event aimed at sending a message to both Ford and indirectly to Premier McGuinty. We need lots of people. We expect the event to last an hour.
*We are really trying to ramp up the pressure on the government before the Legislature rises for the summer. We have asked you to phone the Premier’s office weekly (416 325 1941). We have asked you to write letters or send emails. We are supporting the Buffer Zone Bill. We are working to expand our presence on the internet so you will be asked to forward YouTube videos in the next week. Please stick with us. We need you. We have to get protection for the citizens of Oakville. And if we are successful the new regulations will protect all of the residents of Ontario.
Thank you
Update May 4, 2010
As you know, the hard working folks at Queen's Park will be breaking for the summer in early June. Between now and then we have a very special project that we would like your help in executing...
We believe that we can elevate our issue to the top of Mr. McGuinty's agenda by making ourselves very vocal by calling his phone line and making sure that he knows this is a very sensitive issue. This is what the religious groups recently very successfully did to get the "Sex-Education" initiative overturned.
So here is the plan:
Once a week for the next six weeks, we need to you telephone Dalton McGuinty at 416-325-1941.
The following is a list of key messages that you can use...you do not need to raise every point - just focus on whatever aspect you are most concerned about.
Once you have completed your weekly call, please let me know by sending a quick e-mail - "done" to communication@c4ca.org
We will be tracking the number of calls made every week so we know how many calls his office has taken on our issue.
Thanks to everyone for your help on this - and don't forget - never underestimate the power that one person- one voice can have. As we approach the tipping point on this issue - who knows which one of us will make the ultimate difference!
Thanks!
Karen
Key Messages:
I believe the proposed 975-megawatt gas-fired Oakville power plant should not be built because its location makes no sense:
It’s too close. The nearest office building is less than 65 metres away; the nearest school is only 320 metres away; the nearest homes are only 400 metres away.
This wasn't even TransCanada's first choice for a location. So why was it chosen?
There isn’t enough space. The Oakville location is less than 15 acres or 1/10th the size of the Middletown site, yet the proposed OGS plant is 50% larger. The impact of an accidental explosion or train derailment would be devastating.
It sets a bad precedent. No other plant has this kind of density within one kilometre. Existing plants all have buffer zones of 1.25 km (Toronto – Portlands Energy Centre) or greater.
It’s bad for our children’s health. A gas plant is a fossil fuel burning plant that will emit thousands of tons of toxins into a region with the highest youth asthma rates in the province.
The air shed is already over-polluted. Federal and provincial environment studies show that the community's air is already dangerously over polluted.
It affects the whole community. Within less than 3 km are five senior citizens retirement homes, eight day care and early learning centres, Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and the Town Hall.
There is no rush to proceed. Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) forecasts say there is ample existing power capacity for the next several years.
There is widespread opposition to this plant from all levels of government and organizations across the region. The government still has time to do the right thing and reconsider this plant.
Citizens for Clean Air
http://www.c4ca.org
Update April 25, 2010
Citizens for Clean Air applauds all Ontario political parties for voting in favour of Bill 8, which would prohibit the construction of a natural gas power plant within 1,500 metres of land zoned residential or for a school, day nursery or health care facility.
The Separation Distances for Natural Gas Power Plants Act, 2010, a Private Members Bill introduced by Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn, passed second reading 28 votes to 1 yesterday afternoon with support from MPPs from all parties, including 15 Liberal MPPs.
While it is extremely rare for Private Member’s Bills to become law, this legislation has given C4CA an ideal platform to draw the attention of MPPs and the news media to the potential danger of siting a power plant so close to homes and schools.
The bill will now be sent to Committee where there will be an another opportunity to put our position in front of Ontario’s lawmakers.
“People living near major gas-fired generating stations need the protection only a buffer zone can bring,” says C4CA Board Chair Frank Clegg. “Only two months ago, a natural gas power plant exploded in Middletown, CT killing six people and blowing out windows three kilometres away. If that were to happen at the proposed Oakville site, such an accident could be catastrophic. MPPs from all parties showed yesterday that they understand only a buffer zone can protect people.”
More than 150 persons supporting Kevin Flynn’s bill watched the debate. You can read the entire news release about Second Reading online at www.C4CA.org
Volunteer Week
Thanks go out to the volunteers who went down to Queens Park April 22 and to the thousands of others who have given their time and talents to C4CA in our fight to stop the proposed Oakville power plant.
From Street Captains to those who attended the March rally to those who staff our booths at EcoFestival to those who labour over our brilliant Health Fact documents, serve on our Board of Directors or donate needed funds, thank you!
Take a minute to watch this Volunteer Canada video and applaud yourself!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p37g0tQHhds
Citizens for Clean Air
http://www.c4ca.org
610 Ford Drive, Suite 235
Oakville, ON L6J 7W4
Canada
Update April 19, 2010
You can help support Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn’s Private Member’s Bill to require buffer zones around gas-fired power plants.
On April 22, Citizens for Clean Air (C4CA) wants to fill the Ontario Legislature Gallery for the Bill’s Second Reading debate.
That way, the Premier and every MPP in Ontario – as well as the Queen’s Park Press Gallery – will know we’re serious about stopping the plant.
After all, this location makes no sense. Of all the gas-fired power plants in Ontario, it would be the smallest site, the closest to people – and the largest! There couldn’t be a worse combination of unique factors.
Bill 8 - Separation Distances for Natural Gas Power Plants Act, 2010 -- would prohibit the construction of a natural gas power plant unless the plant is at least 1,500 metres from any land zoned for residential purposes or any land on which an educational facility, day nursery or health care facility is located.
If it becomes law before approvals are final for the proposed Oakville plant, it will not be built.
Register today at www.C4CA.org to attend the Second Reading and plan to arrive at the steps of the Ontario Legislature at 1 p.m. on April 22.
The Details
Once you register through C4CA, Queen’s Park Security will have your pass ready for pick-up. After passing Security, you will be escorted to the Gallery. Please be on time!
• 1:00 p.m. C4CA supporters arrive at the main doors of the Legislature*
• 2:00 p.m. The Session will open with a reading of petitions.
• 2:30 p.m. Debate on Bill 8 will begin and will last for 40 minutes
• 3:00 p.m. At the end of the debate, C4CA supporters leave quietly in a group.
The Rules
• turn off all electronic devices. You may be asked to check them with Security
• check jackets, coats, backpacks with Security.
You are not allowed to
• make noise – no talking, cheering, clapping
• wear pins, buttons, t-shirts or bring any signs that demonstrate support for an issue/political party/MPP
• bring any food or water
*We encourage everyone to carpool or take GO Transit. If you’re driving, parking can be difficult to find – there is no Queen’s Park parking lot. Please allow enough time.
Citizens for Clean Air
http://www.c4ca.org
610 Ford Drive, Suite 235
Oakville, ON L6J 7W4
Canada
Update April 6, 2010
Come along and bring a friend (or two or three)!
Citizens for Clean Air (C4CA) is holding an information session Wednesday, April 14 beginning at 7 p.m. at John Knox Christian School Gym, 2232 Sheridan Garden Drive, Oakville
There’ll be an update on C4CA activities and progress, an opportunity to ask questions and information about steps you can take to help stop a gas-fired power plant from being built near homes and schools.
The information session is an ideal way to introduce your friends and neighbours to C4CA and engage their interest – and their help! – in our campaign.
See you there!
Citizens for Clean Air
http://www.c4ca.org
610 Ford Drive, Suite 235
Oakville, ON L6J 7W4
Canada
Update April 5, 2010
Today's Toronto Star published an opinion article by our own Doug MacKenzie, complete with picture!
It lays out exactly what's wrong with the proposed Oakvile power plant.
You can read it online at www.thestar.com/opinion/article/789245--is-oakville-gas-power-plant-too-close-to-its-neighbours
If you can take a minute to register, you can support the C4CA position online at The Star by clicking on "comment". Comments are allowed until the end of the day.
Better yet, write a letter of support of Doug's article to The Star lettertoed@thestar.ca.
Finally, you can email Premier McGuinty to ask him if he's listening yet.
https://www.premier.gov.on.ca/feedback/feedback.asp?Lang=EN
Thanks!
Citizens for Clean Air
http
Update February 1, 2010
TRANSCANADA ENERGY WILL BE IN TOWN
Wednesday Feb 10th
4:00 – 9:30 pm at Oakville Conference Centre
Please Plan to Attend at 7:00 pm
2515 Wyecroft Road
Oakville, ON L6L 6P8
MAKE YOUR VIEWS KNOWN
TransCanada Energy will be in Oakville at 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm on Wednesday, February 10th to host a public meeting at the Oakville Conference Centre. We understand that the meeting is about TransCanada’s plans to push ahead with a 900 megawatt fossil fuel plant in east Oakville.
This is an important opportunity for you to let TransCanada and the Ontario Government know how you feel about their power plant proposal and process. The proposal has not received critical permits and approvals. It is not too late for you to make a big difference, and to show TransCanada and the Ontario Government what you think of their plans.
Attend with your friends and neighbours and express your views!
STOP POWER PLANTS
NEAR HOMES and SCHOOLS!
Update January 12, 2010
Citizens for Clean Air http://www.c4ca.org
Please click here www.c4ca.org to view the December 2009 C4CA Newsletter.
Thank you for your support,
Citizens for Clean Air
http://www.c4ca.org
288 Benita Court
Oakville, ON L6J4L2
Canada
Update December 14, 2009
900 MW Gas Fired Plant
What Can I Do Now?
In the next seven days -Please take just one hour to -Write three letters / emails
and -Make three phone calls
To people on the list below.
Some suggestions:
- Demand an Individual Environmental Assessment, NOT one arranged by TransCanada,
- If your call goes to voicemail, ask for a call-back, rather than leaving a detailed message,
- If you send an email, conclude by requesting a reply. If you don’t receive a reply within 1 week, email again,
- Copy your email or letter to someone else on the list; to further reflect your concern,
- PRINT your email into a letter and mail it. Emails do get filtered-out,
- Use your own passion, how you feel about not having a proper Environmental Assessment.
Good luck everyone.
Colin Andersen
Chief Executive Officer
Ontario Power Authority
Suite 1600, 120 Adelaide Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 1T1
Phone: 416-967-7474
Email : info@powerauthority.on.ca
(general address)
Harold N. Kvisle
President and CEO
TransCanada Pipelines Limited
450 - 1 Street SW
Calgary AB T2P 5H1
Phone: 403-920-2000
Email: harold_kvisle@transcanada.com
janna_laberge@transcanada.com
(Harold's Associate)
Deb Matthews
Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
242 Piccadilly : 519-432-7339
Email: dmatthews.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
Gerry Phillips
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
900 Bay Street, 4th Floor, Hearst Block
Toronto ON MStreet
London, Ontario N6A 1S4
Phone7A 2E1
Phone: 416-297-6568
Email: gphillips.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
John Gerretsen
Minister of the Environment
Ferguson Block, 11th Floor
77 Wellesley Street West
Toronto ON M7A2T5
Phone: 416-314-6790
Email: jgerretsen.mpp@liberal.ola.org
Premier Dalton McGuinty
Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto ON M7A 1A1
Phone: 416-325-1941
Email: http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/feedback
Update December 13, 2009
OAKVILLE GROUP URGES ALL ONTARIANS TO QUESTION PROPOSED PLACEMENT OF A PRIVATE NATURAL GAS POWER PLANT
One of North America’s largest natural gas power plants proposed to go within 320 metres of a school
TORONTO, December 10 – As world leaders and environmental experts meet at the United Nations
Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this week, Oakville group Citizens for Clean Air (C4CA) is
urging fellow Ontarians and government policy makers to think locally, and reconsider the proposed
placement of a private natural gas power plant to be built by TransCanada Energy. The targeted location is startlingly close to schools and homes.
The 900-megawatt natural gas power plant – one of the largest of its kind in North America – is proposed to go up on a site at the edge of Oakville’s Ford Assembly Plant, an area that is only 320 metres from the nearby Chisholm school and about 400 metres from homes. In fact, there are over 16 schools and 11,000 homes in a three-kilometer radius of the proposed location, situated near the QEW and Royal Windsor Drive.
At the heart of the problem, according to C4CA, is the specific location of the plant that came to be by a flawed process. C4CA believes that the RFP process of the Ontario Power Authority closed the door to considering better alternatives, gave insufficient consideration to socio-economic impacts, and did not allow for reasonable timelines and meaningful community input.
The position of C4CA was validated by a December 4th ruling of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB)
upholding an interim control bylaw issued by the Town of Oakville to allow more time to assess the impact of this proposed power plant. TransCanada and Ford of Canada unsuccessfully tried to have the bylaw struck down. "It’s encouraging to see good common sense brought to the situation,” said Susan Hyatt, spokesperson for C4CA. “The OMB hearing was the first time an independent third party, acting separately from the Ontario Government or TransCanada, was able to look at this proposed location and power plant, and look what happens – they agreed that there are significant issues that need more time for review.” Among the checkered processes highlighted by C4CA is the questionable mandate from the Ontario Power Authority to build at the Ford plant; followed by an owner/operator self-assessment process that allows such a massive power plant to go ahead based only on an operator’s own environmental review. This is in contrast to an individual environmental assessment, which would involve proper direction and decision-making by the Ministry of the Environment. Added Hyatt: “Simply put, having a power plant like this squeezed so close to a heavily populated community is not only very unusual and risky, it makes no logical sense. Leaving aside the many emissions issues, from a safety perspective look no further than to last year’s explosion at Sunrise Propane to know that industrial plants situated next to established residential neighbourhoods do not mix.
Current regulations would prevent even a single wind turbine from being constructed at this proposed location, but the same government is proposing to allow a huge 900-megawatt power plant at the site.” Added Doug MacKenzie, C4CA President: “Ontario’s coal phase-out program is Canada’s largest climate change initiative. If the Ontario government supports this site, in the coming years it can be expected that natural gas power plants may well go up in communities right next to homes and schools across the province.”
The OMB ruling this week is encouraging in a number of respects. In the view of C4CA, it clearly confirms the role that municipalities need to play in protecting the public interest and takes note of the questionable timelines and process that have been followed by the proponents of this project. The process is flawed; Ontarians need to work together to ensure there is a logical, proper evaluation of where these plants are going. While this plant may appear to be Oakville’s problem, the precedent being set could lead to problems for everyone. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Air quality studies conducted in 2006 by the Ministry of the Environment indicate that the airshed in the Oakville Clarkson area is one of the most polluted airsheds in the province, and the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Chronic Disease Surveillance Division reveals that, among children 12-19 years of age, those living in Halton have the highest asthma prevalence in the province. The proposed 900-megawatt fossil fuel-burning facility would add significant quantities of airborne pollutants such as particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5), a known toxic substance especially harmful to children's lungs, into the air. PM 2.5 poses the greatest health risk due to the microscopic size of the pollutant matter. The particulate matter is so small it is not able to be trapped by nose hair or mucous – the body’s first line of defense – and travels directly to the lungs’ alveoli, and enters the bloodstream. MONEY TALKS
TransCanada, the private sector builder and operator, has been given a 20-year fixed-rate energy supply contract that guarantees the company significant annual revenues, even if the plant does not operate. Ontario taxpayers will pick up that tab; similarly to Quebec taxpayers for a similar TransCanada facility sitting idle in Quebec. FACT VS. FICTION FACT: This proposed plant would provide power to Ontario, NOT just power to Oakville. FACT: There are no known ‘safe’ levels of particulate matter. FACT: The Portlands Energy Centre off the south shore of Toronto has much better separation from homes, is far smaller, and is at a site historically used for substantial power generation. The proposed Oakville location is a much more aggressive and risky intrusion into an established and heavily populated neighbourhood.
Update October 29, 2009 - Rally/March
A protest march and rally against the proposed power plant has been organized by the Environment Club at OTHS. It is a rare and wonderful opportunity for the students in this community to get engaged in an issue that is relevant to them. It is even rarer to be able to have all the schools, public/Catholic/private, work together in this collaborative way.
Student Power Plant Protest March / Rally
Wed Nov 4th
5:30pm at OTHS parking lot (1460 Devon Road)
The students will gather, and then walk along Devon Road, left on Maple Grove Drive and again left on Cornwall Road, ending at Chisholm Education Centre, 1484 Cornwall Road
A short Rally will be held in the Chisholm parking lot. The OTHS School President and a few others will speak and a DJ has been hired. Students are encouraged to wear school spirit wear, team uniforms, bring school banners/signs etc.
We expect that the entire March will last 15 to 20 minutes, with the entire event to be complete by 6:45pm.
This is an event for the students but adults/parents are welcome to accompany young children. We also definitely welcome the support and encouragement from the side of the road or at the Rally at the end. We hope that there will be lots of spectators!
This event will go – rain or shine – so please join in!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another Update October 19, 2009 - meeting tomorrow
CITIZENS 4 CLEAN AIR requests that you demonstrate your opposition to the Ontario Gov't./Ford of Canada/TransCanada Energy 900MW power plant proposed for the middle of an urban, mature area of Oakville by attending a special meeting of Oakville Town Council called by Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. (TransCanada Energy is a sister company of TC Pipelines and a subsidiary of TransCanada Corporation.)
The Oakville Town meeting has been precipitated by the overwhelming opposition to this plant and is scheduled for:
Tuesday, Oct., 20, 2009,
7pm,
Oakville Town Hall Council Chambers, located at 1225 Trafalgar Road.
Mayor Burton has called the meeting to "update Council and the public on the provincial and municipal approval processes for power plants".
The Ontario Gov't./Ford of Canada/TransCanada Energy power plant proposal has been the subject of an Ontario Municipal Board hearing at which Ford of Canada and TransCanada Energy are appealing Oakville's use of an Interim Bylaw and an Amendment to Oakville's Official Plan to stop construction of the proposed power plant for a year so that the Town can have an opportunity to evaluate it.
CITIZENS 4 CLEAN AIR were given the right by the OMB hearing Magistrate to have 4 private citizens address the OMB hearing, in addition to the scheduled Town defendants and the Ford/TransCanada Energy appellants, because opposition is so large as demonstrated by the huge number of citizens attending the hearing.
The OMB hearing started last Tuesday and will run into this week.
CITIZENS 4 CLEAN AIR believe that:
* There is no chance emissions from existing sources will ever be reduced to compensate for the piled on emissions of the proposed plant as some parties argue is possible. The Ontario Gov't. allowed authorized groups to try and achieve emission reductions several years ago but no progress has been made. Air in this area continues to be among the worst in Ontario;
* The proposed power plant is simply unnecessary;
* When power plants are required they should not be built in the middle of large, urban areas;
* Other areas of Ontario can benefit from the lessons of Oakville's opposition to plants like these.
CITIZENS 4 CLEAN AIR is a group of concerned citizens and interested parties from all over the South West GTA who are dedicated to ensuring the rational location of power plants in Ontario and at this time specifically to stopping the Ontario Gov't./Ford of Canada/TransCanada Energy power plant planned for Oakville.
STOP POWER PLANTS NEAR HOMES AND SCHOOLS
*********************************************************************************************************
Update October 19, 2009
Folks,
We are forming an additional committee to fight the power plant. See request for volunteers and expertise below.
Let me know if you can help:
A new group is forming to focus on environmental objections through the Environmental Review Process. So far an environmental expert, legal assistance (Not a full environmental lawyer but researcher), Public relations types, Doctors have volunteered. The actions may entail trying to get the Environmental assessment bumped up, dealing with TransCanada, coordination with many other bodies that have volunteered to assist, fund raising etc
So we need lawyers, environmental specialists, fund raising, coordinating with other bodies and getting them involved etc we also need to critique some documents from OPA consultants. Perhaps take on Ford..
This action should not take the place of individual actions by the RA's (Resident Associations) and I believe the Mayor is going to talk to each RA about this.
As you may know there is only a brief period in which to act.. 30 days once the Environment document is posted I expect this to happen shortly.
Update October 15, 2009
Thursday 15th 7pm - Citizens for Clean Air to speak to OMB re: Power Plant. Your attendance is requested
Friends,
Just wanted to give you an update since this morning about the proposed power plant.
As a result of the large contingent at the OMB hearing at the Oakville Town Hall, as well as some of the media coverage, the magistrate has granted the C4CA group (Citizens for Clean Air, and amalgamation of several rate payers associations in both Oakville and Mississagua) the opportunity to speak (5 people that have been organized by C4CA) at an open forum tonight (Thursday, Oct 15) night at 7:00pm at the Council Chambers at the Oakville Town Hall. It is imperative that the community turnout is HUGE. The OMB was shocked yesterday to see the number of concerned citizens that appeared at the hearing yesterday, and the larger the group, the more serious the decision makers will take our concerns.
THE DECISION TO GRANT A PUBLIC MEETING MISSED THE OAKVILLE BEAVER PUBLISHING DEADLINE FOR TODAY'S PAPER!!!!!!
p.s. C4CA is launching a website, but it isn't online yet. They need $, volunteers to go door-to-door, in order to get as many people informed as possible.
Most urgently, they need people to come out
Thursday, October 15
7:00pm
Oakville Town Hall