Council will be briefed by David Ashbourne, senior land-use planner with Toronto-based Lakeshore Group, which is seeking local support for a $300 million battery energy storage initiative. If approved, the lithium-ion or flow battery project would be built on reclaimed St. Marys Paper, adjacent to the Francis H. Clergue Hydroelectric Generating Station. The storage capacity is expected to be around 150 megawatts. A pitch deck prepared for Tuesday’s council meeting shows community consultation will take place until the fourth quarter of this year. If approved, construction would begin in fall 2023, with commercial operations beginning in May 2025. The energy storage facility will add emission-free energy capacity to Ontario’s grid and improve the reliability of PUC Services Inc. and Hydro One, Ashbourne will tell councillors. Supporters of the project are:
SB Energy Bioveld Energy Ventures The BMI Group
BMI Group is headed by Justus, Paul and John Veldman.
A previous Veldman family initiative, Riversedge Developments, conceived and began the revitalization of the Canal District, but was unable to complete the project, which was taken over by Tony Porco and SIS Group. Riversedge also tried unsuccessfully to redevelop the former Soo Falls/Northern Breweries site. The city council will be called on Tuesday to pass a resolution of support for the new Canal District proposal. In an unrelated matter, councilors will be asked on Tuesday to give heritage status to the ‘yard cupboard’ building in the Canal area. This week’s council meetings will be held on Tuesday, in deference to Monday’s day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II. The meeting will be broadcast live on SooToday starting at 4:30 p.m. of Tuesday.
