Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, which came into effect in 2008, makes the province a North American leader in the protection and recovery of species at risk and their habitats. Learn how Ontario is protecting species at risk and their habitat.
Proposed Authorization Summary
| Proponent: | Ontario Solar PV Fields 3 Limited Partnership |
|---|---|
| Project: | RE Solar Park Construction - Dilke |
| Location: | Rainy River District See location on Google Maps  |
| Species: |
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| Sector: | Renewable energy |
| Environmental Registry Number: | 011-6177 |
| Permit Proposal Status: | Permit issued |
| Authorization Type: | 17(2)(c) - Overall Benefit Permit The Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) provides for the protection of endangered, threatened (and in some cases extirpated) species on the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List. The ESA also addresses the protection of habitat for species at risk. |
Environmental Registry Posting:
A range of options being considered is included in the Environmental Registry Notice; please go to http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca and enter the Environmental Registry number (above) in the search bar.
Proposed Permit Details:
Ontario Solar PV Fields GP 1 Inc. as the general partner of Ontario Solar PV Fields 3 Limited Partnership is proposing the construction and operation of a 5 megawatt solar photovoltaic facility in Dilke Township.
Bobolink are listed as threatened on the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List,(O. Reg. 230/08) under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA), and have been observed in part of the project area. Approximately 15.5 hectares (ha) of Bobolink habitat, protected under subsection 10(1) of the ESA, would be damaged by the proposed activity.
Reasonable alternatives, including alternatives that would not adversely affect the species, have been explored. The best alternative has been chosen to allow work to continue and avoid impacts to Bobolink and minimize impacts to habitat.
- The project area has been reduced and an area occupied by Bobolink avoided;
- The timing of certain construction activities has been adjusted to avoid disturbance to Bobolink during the breeding season; and
- Construction activities will be carried out in a manner that minimizes impacts to Bobolink habitat.
There will be reasonable steps to minimize adverse effects on individual members of the species as required by conditions of the permit:
- Scheduling works to avoid or minimize impacts to individuals during the season when Bobolink are present; and
- Habitat rehabilitation activities on-site upon closure of the facility to re-establish Bobolink habitat.
Overall benefit to the species will be achieved within a reasonable time through requirements imposed by conditions of the permit. Ontario Solar PV Fields 3 Inc. has agreed to:
- Manage and maintain high quality habitat for Bobolink via a landowner agreement, for the lifetime of the project; and
- Conduct a monitoring program to assess the use of habitat set aside for Bobolink and to submit monitoring reports to the Ministry of Natural Resources for review.
Decision:
On March 4, 2013, a decision was made to issue a permit to Ontario Solar PV Fields GP 1 Inc. as the general partner of Ontario Solar PV Fields 3 Limited Partnership under Section 17(2)(c) of the Endangered Species Act. To view the details of the decision, please visit the Environmental Registry.
Comment On This Project
To view and comment on this proposed permit, please visit the Environmental Registry and enter the Registry number (011-6177) in the search bar.
If you have questions or comments specific to this permit application after the Environmental Registry period is over, please click here RE Solar Park Construction - Dilke (ER number: 011-6177) .
Please Note: All comments and submissions received become part of the public record. You will not receive a formal response to your comment, however, relevant comments received as part of the public participation process for this proposal will be considered in the decision making process for the authorization.
