Providing clarity on the MSR Process

The recitals

• That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to consider the request for a support resolution for the South March BESS project and the following Motion so that the project proponent can provide proof of municipal support to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to provide greater certainty to the proponent that they will meet their contractual obligations with the IESO and to provide the necessary certainty to the Province and local hydro utilities that the City recognizes the crucial role battery storage systems play in meeting the city and province’s future electricity needs.
• two BESS projects located within Ottawa were awarded contracts through the LT1 RFP in 2024
• Council granted a Municipal Support Resolution (MSR) to the Trail Road BESS in 2023, but declined an MSR for the Fitzroy BESS due to site suitability and consultation concerns
• the proponent has since conducted extensive consultation and relocated the project approximately 13 kilometres, now referred to as the South March BESS
• these changes significantly alter the project’s character, prompting the proponent to request Council’s consideration of the new project via a letter dated May 25, 2025
• the IESO requires proof of municipal support by February 2026 to maintain the project’s contractual standing
• Council’s current MSR process requires concurrent submission with zoning and site plan applications
• given the project’s long history, early Council direction is warranted to provide clarity on municipal support irrespective of planning approvals, which remain required
• the Province of Ontario, IESO, and local utilities have recognized the essential role of BESS in supporting Ottawa’s growing energy needs, providing grid resilience and boosting economic development
• the Minister of Energy has directly affirmed the priority of the South March BESS project to Mayor Sutcliffe and Ottawa City Council