WHEREAS TC Energy has made public its plans to construct and operate a major 1000 MW hydroelectric generating facility, centered on zero emissions electricity generating technology known as pumped storage, related works and undertakings, in partnership with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, on lands controlled by the federal Department of National Defence, in the Municipality of Meaford, in the County of Grey; and in the Territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation); and
WHEREAS Grey County council has adopted the Strategic Plan 2024-2027, Working Together for Success, and under the heading, Building Communities for the Future, recognized Economic Development, Climate Change Adaptation and First Nation Reconciliation and Relationship Building as priorities; and
WHEREAS Grey County has declared a climate emergency and adopted Going Green in Grey: Climate Change Action Plan 2022-2050 and the Plan makes a commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 by leveraging the emerging energy innovation sector, championing local low-carbon energy leadership, and centering reconciliation in climate action given the long history of Indigenous leadership in environmental stewardship; and
WHEREAS Grey County has adopted an Economic Development, Tourism, and Culture Master Plan titled the Grey'T Reset, which provides a 10-year vision for the growth of economic development, tourism, and culture, and includes a focus on sustainability, including supporting clean energy industries, and the opportunity for a more diversified economy by supporting Nuclear, Pumped Storage, and Hydrogen development; and
WHEREAS the Saugeen Ojibway Nation has been keepers of these lands and water throughout history, and recognizing a commitment to Indigenous economic self-determination is important for advancing reconciliation, TC Energy has established a partnership with Saugeen Ojibway Nation early in the development process to ensure meaningful Indigenous participation and benefit; and
WHEREAS the Saugeen Ojibway Nation will decide whether they will approve the project, and such approval is required for the project to proceed;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council for the County of Grey hereby:
- Declare conditional support for TC Energy and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation proceeding with the proposed Ontario Pump Storage project, subject to the applicable approval process, including environmental and impact assessments, and the approval of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation; and
- That the Warden for the County of Grey prepare and send a letter advising of this declaration to TC Energy, Saugeen Ojibway Nation, members of federal and provincial parliaments representing Grey County, the provincial Ministers of Energy, Economic Development, Indigenous Affairs, Infrastructure, and Environment, and to the federal Ministers of Crown-Indigenous Relations, National Defence, Innovation, Science and Industry, Environment and Climate Change and Energy and Natural Resources.