The Independent

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is looking for public comments on the proposed natural gas electricity generating plant in the works for Courtright.

Atura Power, a subsidary of Ontario Power Generation, is planning a 500 megawatt plant at the former site of the Lambton Generating Station in Courtright. Atura says the site was chosen because it’s already zoned for industrial use, has access to natural gas and is close to the area which is in need of additional power generation. The provincial government estimates Ontario’s power needs will grow 75 per cent by 2030 and is working to provide 750 megawatts of energy in the next decade.

Atura is working to bid for electricity generation to the Independent Electricity System Operator. It already has a letter of support from St. Clair Township’s council which will be submitted in mid-December with a decision expected in 2026. If Atura’s project is approved it would likely start operating in 2030.

Aside from earning a contract from the IESO, under federal law, any new of a new fossil fuel-fired power generating facility with a production capacity of 200 MW or more requires an Impact Assessment.

The Impact Assessment Agency has started the process and is looking for comments about the project until Oct. 6 which will be published online as part of the project’s file.

The IAAC is holding three virtual information sessions on the project, one today (Sept. 24) at noon and two tomorrow (Sept. 25) at noon and 6 pm. You can find a link to the online sessions here https://www.iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/89801/session?culture=en-CA