Rural councillors in Ottawa unanimously rejected a second bid by Gatineau-based company Evolugen to gain support for a large battery energy storage system (BESS) facility in rural west Ottawa. Despite the company having a contract from Ontario's IESO and provincial pressure, residents and councillors cited strong concerns over farmland loss, fire risk, and well water contamination, emphasizing overwhelming community opposition to the proposed location.
Rural councillors deny support for battery facility, as company seeks 'clear political signal'
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Rural councillors in Ottawa unanimously rejected a second bid by Gatineau-based company Evolugen to gain support for a large battery energy storage system (BESS) facility in rural west Ottawa. Despite the company having a contract from Ontario's IESO and provincial pressure, residents and councillors cited strong concerns over farmland loss, fire risk, and well water contamination, emphasizing overwhelming community opposition to the proposed location.
- 1 Late 2023: An Evolugen BESS in Coun. David Brown's ward garnered unanimous backing.
- 2 May 25 (current year): The mayor's office received a letter from Evolugen seeking support.
- 3 Thursday (June 5, 2025): The city's agriculture and rural affairs committee voted unanimously to deny support for the project.
- 4 June 11 (current year): The issue goes to city council for a final decision.
- 5 By 2050: Ontario's energy demand is expected to increase by 75%.
- The battery facility project faces a significant hurdle without city council support.
- Continued debate over balancing provincial energy needs with local environmental and community concerns.
- Potential for the project to be rejected by city council on June 11.
- A motion was approved requesting Evolugen pay at least $250,000 per year into a community development fund if the project proceeds.
What: Rural councillors in Ottawa unanimously denied support for Evolugen's proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) facility in rural west Ottawa.
When: The committee meeting and vote occurred on Thursday (June 5, 2025); A previous Evolugen BESS in another ward was approved in late 2023; The mayor's office received a letter from Evolugen on May 25; The issue goes to city council on June 11.
Where: Rural west Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; specifically, an approximately 4.5-hectare plot of rural land off Marchurst Road, about 30 kilometres west of downtown Ottawa; Fitzroy Harbor (previous proposed site); Kanata North tech park.
Why: Residents and councillors are concerned about the loss of farmland, the risk of fire, and potential well water contamination. They also oppose building on what they consider an ecologically sensitive location, despite the company's efforts and provincial pressure for energy supply.
How: The city's agriculture and rural affairs committee voted unanimously to deny official backing for the project. Evolugen had sought a 'clear political signal' and engaged in community outreach, but faced strong opposition, including a petition with over 1,400 hand-written signatures.