ENERGY POLICY DIRECTIONS

Transcription

1 ENERGY POLICY DIRECTIONS Energy efficiency and improved air quality through land use and development patterns for the long term economic prosperity of Peel residents is important to the Region of Peel. Energy policies that will enable the Region to shift from the current dependence on fossil-based energy sources to alternative renewable energy systems are being considered. The Plan recognizes the interdependencies that exist in the built and natural environments and introduces an energy efficient systems approach to planning. ENERGY RESOURCES In recognizing the unsustainable and adverse environmental, economic and social effects of conventional energy consumption, municipalities have been examining various options and strategies to support vibrant communities, build a strong Regional economy and conserve a healthy environment. The Region of Peel is a partner with the area municipalities in efficiently managing our energy resources and creating smart energy solutions to sustain a healthy, prosperous and secure quality of life for the people of Peel Region. Three principles will guide the strategic and policy choices towards achieving these objectives. These are, (i) Efficiency: Promoting energy efficient urban design and facilitating alternative modes of transportation; (ii) Conservation: Promoting energy conservation and sustainable development; and (iii) Diversity: Promoting the use of renewable energy systems and providing a diversity of reliable energy sources. The Region of Peel positions itself as a municipal leader in energy efficiency and encourages initiatives by the area municipalities to promote environmental sustainability by investing in sustainable technologies for energy efficiency and programs for reducing waste and conserving energy. The Region recognizes the importance of supporting policies aimed at reducing energy consumption and reliance on carbon-based fuels for energy, and in creating and maintaining a safe and appealing living environment that is in harmony with nature. Peel Region is supportive of the use of advanced energy-efficient technologies that are consistent with high energy efficiency standards, design features and construction practices. The Region would support measures by the area municipalities to develop innovative green spaces such as green roof technology and designs that will reduce the urban heat island effect, initiatives to redevelop large industrial sites, including brownfield sites to ensure high levels of pollution control, and to create opportunities for energy conservation. Measures that maximize the passive solar energy potential in an area and utilize existing or planted natural shade canopies to reduce summer energy use, are also important considerations in local planning decisions. OBJECTIVES To conserve energy through energy efficient land use design, and alternative renewable energy systems; To plan and develop greener, healthier communities by reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions and improving the air quality in the Region. POLICIES Draft Energy ROPAs November 17,

2 Energy Efficiency Programs Support the continued development of Corporate Energy Management and area municipal programs to conserve energy and improve energy efficiency across all sectors, including the objectives outlined in the Peel Corporate Energy Management Plan and in the provisions of the area municipal official plans. Work in conjunction with the area municipalities to develop programs to retrofit Regional and area municipalities owned facilities and buildings in order to reduce energy consumption and air pollution in accordance with the criteria contained in the Region s Corporate Energy Management Plan, Conservation Framework Section. Support the siting and erection of small district energy systems such as a cogeneration facility or geothermal plant where appropriate in suitable locations, as an efficient method of generating heating, cooling and electricity to buildings, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Encourage the area municipalities in their official plans to support the development of wind farms in order to produce clean energy for their jurisdictions and the Region in general. Investigate options in conjunction with the area municipalities of converting waste to energy where economically feasible and socially acceptable for health, safety and aesthetics reasons. Promote the development of small-scale hydroelectric projects to enhance the local provision of energy, where feasible. Encourage the expansion of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles with regard to increasing bio-diesel production and other energy efficiency programs. Encourage area municipalities to implement programs that would reward homeowners for using energy efficient appliances during off-peak hours. Energy Conservation Develop a Culture of Conservation that supports energy conservation and protect air quality including reduction in emissions from municipal, residential, commercial and industrial sources. Work jointly with the area municipalities and the Province to promote increasing energy supply by providing opportunities for energy generation facilities to accommodate current and projected needs, and the use of renewable energy systems and alternative energy systems where feasible to ensure long-term economic prosperity in Peel. Support energy demand management to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency through appropriate land use and development patterns, site and Draft Energy ROPAs November 17,

3 housing designs that promote energy-efficient buildings and opportunities for cogeneration and district heating. Encourage area municipalities to incorporate in their official plans, environmentally sustainable building and landscape design and construction practices, building retrofits and redevelopment; and to promote design and orientation which maximize the use of solar and wind energy, and the mitigating effects of vegetation. Support policies that promote innovative green spaces such as green roofs and urban tree canopy to achieve energy efficiencies. Energy Diversity Encourage the development of wind power as an emerging energy source and land use, and to partner with the area municipalities to identify wind farms and individual wind power systems suitable for agricultural, commercial and residential uses as a major policy objective towards achieving energy sustainability, and to this end: Promote and permit the location of individual generating systems as an accessory structure in all land use designations in conformity to the requirements of the zoning bylaw in effect. Ensure that the zoning by-law in effect will provide regulations for individual generating systems regarding setbacks from road allowances, lot lines, and structures (on-site and off-site) and maximum height provisions. Promote and permit wind farms in the Prime Agricultural Area, Rural Areas and other suitable areas as determined by the relevant area municipality. Encourage the area municipalities to evaluate the suitability of the location and land use compatibility of proposed wind farms and specify standards in their official plans and zoning by-laws. Encourage the development of solar power installations as an emerging energy source. Encourage the development of biomass and energy from waste as an emerging energy source. Location of Utility Corridors and Generation Plants The Region will work closely with the Province and the area municipalities in planning for the future expansion and location of power supply services and communication systems servicing the Region. The proponents of such expansions shall satisfy the Region that there will be no major transportation, environmental, economic and social, or other consequences as shall be determined by the Region, arising from the development. Draft Energy ROPAs November 17,

4 Require the area municipalities in conjunction with the Province and the Region to identify in their official plans rights-of-way for utility corridors for the transmission of energy, communication and the movement of people and goods as shown on Schedule. Utility corridors will be demarcated and hydro generation and transmission plants installed in an efficient, economical and aesthetically pleasing manner with minimal disruption to the health and safety of residents. Where economically feasible and technically appropriate, utility and transmission lines are to be installed underground in residential, employment and recreational areas so as to minimize their adverse visual impact on the environment. Draft Energy ROPAs November 17,

5 GLOSSARY Alternative energy systems: means sources of energy or energy conversion processes that significantly reduce the amount of harmful emissions to the environment (air, earth and water) when compared to conventional energy systems. Individual Generating Systems are wind turbines used to generate electricity that are small-scale in size and generally used to produce energy for the property owner. They are permitted in all designations and will be subject to regulations found in the Zoning By-law. Petroleum resources: means oil, gas, and brine resources which have been identified through exploration and verified by preliminary drilling or other forms of investigation. This may include sites of former operations where resources are still present or former sites that may be converted to underground storage for natural gas or other hydrocarbons. Planned corridors: means corridors identified through provincial plans or preferred alignment(s) determined through the Environmental Assessment Act process which are required to meet projected needs. Provincial plan: means a plan approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council or the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, but does not include municipal official plans. Renewable energy systems: means the production of electrical power from an energy source that is renewed by natural processes including, but not limited to, wind, water, a biomass resource or product, or solar and geothermal energy. Transportation systems: means a system consisting of corridors and rights-of way for the movement of people and goods, and associated transportation facilities including transit stops and stations, cycle lanes, bus lanes, high occupancy vehicle lanes, rail facilities, park n ride lots, service centres, rest stops, vehicle inspection stations, intermodal terminals, harbours, and associated facilities such as storage and maintenance. Wind Energy Conversion Systems consist of mechanical devices designed to convert wind energy into electricity. Land use policies to ensure the proper development of wind energy conversion systems at small and large scales are provided below. Wind Farms are comprised of more than one wind turbine of commercial scale. Wind farms generally produce energy for the provincial transmission grid. Draft Energy ROPAs November 17,

6 Draft Energy ROPAs November 17,