A new project at Pilkington Glass could have the company rolling in green.
During the development and operations services standing committee meeting on Monday night, the committee considered a proposal for a minor expansion to the Pilkington glass factory on Highway 26 in Collingwood to allow a battery storage facility be built on the site.
The facility would be used for the storage of off-peak electricity in industrial batteries, which would be drawn upon by plant operations as conditions warranted.
“It will ultimately create a more efficient and cost-effective energy supply for the facility,” said Lindsay Ayers, planning technician with the town.
“Pilkington has expressed they really need this infrastructure in place prior to the summer. They’re looking to break ground as soon as possible,” she added.
The proposal would specifically consist of the placement of two approximately 40.4-square-metre storage containers on an elevated gravelled and fenced area adjacent to the southeastern corner of the manufacturing building.
“Pilkington has a 50-year history in Collingwood, and they are one of our major employers,” said Mayor Brian Saunderson. “I am very much in support of this project moving forward. This is a great opportunity for a green initiative in our community.
“It’s a groundbreaking project in our area,” he said.
Coun. Kathy Jeffery pointed to how the project was in line with climate-change goals.
“A lot of the questions I have received from the climate action group were about how we would be able to influence or help the private sector in our (decision to) become a greener community,” she said. “This is a great example of how we can do it.”
According to the staff report, the area affected by the proposal lies within the jurisdiction of the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, specifically an area prone to a flooding hazard, and requires an NVCA development permit.
Discussion between town staff, the applicant and the NVCA has identified that additional information needs to be submitted to assist the NVCA in their review of the appropriateness of the development proposal.
At this time, it appears that a clearance from the NVCA can ultimately be anticipated based on the applicant raising the elevation of battery storage area to address potential flooding.
On Monday night, the committee voted to recommend council approve the processing of the proposed Pilkington battery storage facility as a minor adjustment to a site plan control agreement and approve the site plan development drawings, subject to conditions.
The decision will need to be ratified at the next meeting of council.
