Saint John council has approved a city recommendation that will streamline the process for implementing solar energy arrays in rural areas. The zoning amendment, endorsed by councillors following a public hearing at Monday night’s council meeting, permits “solar energy development” in designated rural resource areas. This change allows for “low-impact” solar projects to be situated in rural zones beyond those designated for green energy projects.
Yeva Mattson, a community planner for the city, explained that the existing green energy zoning was primarily tailored for larger projects like the Burchill wind farm in the Lorneville area, a 10-turbine facility capable of generating up to 42 megawatts of energy. By adding solar energy generation as a permitted use, the amendment enables the development of “resource-based activity” on sizable unserviced rural lots within the municipality’s 316-square-kilometre area.
Andrew Ahearn, Saint John Energy’s engineering director, expressed support for the amendment, emphasizing that it eliminates barriers for solar energy projects intended to supply power to the city-owned utility. The amendment, which was backed by the energy utility itself, simplifies the approval process for new solar projects, requiring development permits and site plan approvals rather than a full rezoning process and public hearings before council.
Ahearn noted that the policy change, while still subjecting solar projects to provincially led Environmental Impact Assessments, reduces setbacks between solar farms and residential areas from 100 meters to 30 meters. This adjustment aligns with practices in other regions and facilitates the development of a 10-megawatt solar project led by the Neqotkuk (Tobique) First Nation and Universal Kraft. The Menahqesk Kisuh Energy Hub, slated to provide power exclusively to Saint John Energy, symbolizes a step towards renewable energy advancement in the region.
The amendment’s approval signifies a positive step towards enhancing solar energy infrastructure in Saint John, with officials praising Saint John Energy’s proactive approach in embracing renewable energy sources. Mayor Donna Reardon commended the utility for its forward-thinking initiatives, highlighting the potential for further progress in the city’s renewable energy landscape.