Motion M2015-019

Whereas the Green Energy Act overrides municipal by-laws;

and Whereas the Planning Act states:

1.1 The purposes of this Act are,

(a) to promote sustainable economic development in a healthy natural environment within the policy and by the means provided under this Act;

(b) to provide for a land use planning system led by provincial policy;

(c) to integrate matters of provincial interest in provincial and municipal planning decisions;

(d) to provide for planning processes that are fair by making them open, accessible, timely and efficient;

(e) to encourage co-operation and co-ordination among various interests;

(f) to recognize the decision-making authority and accountability of municipal councils in planning.

and Whereas the Municipality of Addington Highlands has spent a great deal of time and money complying with the Planning Act;

and Whereas one of the purposes of the Planning Act is to "recognize the decision-making authority and accountability of municipal councils in planning";

and Whereas the Green Energy Act overrides the Planning Act;

and Whereas the Province of Ontario can not justify the conflict between these two acts;

and Whereas it is paramount that the Province of Ontario not arbitrarily invalidate the by-laws passed by municipalities;

and Whereas it is paramount that the Province of Ontario have consistent legislation;

now therefore be it Resolved that:

the Denbigh Townhall declares the Green Energy Act to be high handed, draconian, arbitrary and damaging to the legislative consistency of Ontario;

and be it further Resolved that the Denbigh Townhall calls upon the Premier of Ontario to either repeal the Green Energy Act or amend the Green Energy Act to make it consistent with other provincial legislation and to make it respectful of the province's municipalities

and be it further Resolved that this resolution be sent to:

- the Premier of Ontario

- Randy Hillier, MPP

- The Municipal Corporation of Addington Highlands

- The Municipal Corporation of North Frontenac

- The Municipal Corporation of Greater Madawaska

- The Municipal Corporation of Brudenell, Lyndoch and Raglan

- BEARAT

Motion Carried unanimously