Couple of Concerns During Solar Park Meeting

Site location and noise were two common concerns raised at a public meeting Monday night to discuss the proposed 5-megawatt Solar Park in Hatch’s Field in Dryden.
Contractor Johnson Controls is looking at a 29-hectare lot south of Leach Road and east of the Cemetery.
Marc-Andre Lahie says the location is perfect for the park.
He notes it’s Municipally owned, with quality access points and is located far enough away from neighbouring homes.
Lahie adds tree’s can be planted to act as buffers to suit the needs of nearby residents.
As far as noise issues, Lahie says photovoltaic panels don’t make any noise and stresses the sound produced by the Inverters and Transformer is minimal.
Some individuals also voiced concerns about the benefit of the Solar Park to taxpayers.
City officials stressed the Park will generate Revenue through the selling of power to the Province.
Johnson Controls and the Dryden Renewable Energy Corporation are currently undergoing environmental and noise studies as well as public consultation.
An application is expected to be submitted to the Province in the near future to move forward with the photovoltaic park.
Officials hope to begin construction this Fall.