Two meetings held last week in the Pontiac communities of Campbell’s Bay and Otter Lake (Tuesday and Wednesday) concluded a series of five townhalls hosted by the MRC on the possibility of the region hosting an “Energy From Waste” project- possibly as soon as 2030.
Although advocated by Warden Jane Toller, the idea wasn’t imported from Toronto with her- as this is the third time such an incineration facility has been suggested; most recently for Shawville (in 2009).
Toller says the five townhalls were spread across MRC Pontiac territory in order to reach as many of its 14 thousand-plus residents as possible.
There are many variables in play before an incineration capacity can be calculated, and a number of steps remain in the process.
The Warden reiterates her assurances of transparency, and the pledge that any red flags suggesting threats to resident health and safety will result in the idea being dropped.
400,000 units of tonnage have been suggested, fed from both Ontario and Quebec communities, but capacity and logistics are only two aspects of the equation.
50 permanent jobs and 45MW (megawatts) of power are among potential benefits.
By Rick Stow