At a public meeting on July 14, 2025, Arran-Elderslie Council accepted the Bruce County Planning Department recommendation to refuse Zoning By-law Amendment Application Z-2025-011, submitted by NEOEN c/o MHBC Planning. The application proposed the development of a 400-megawatt (MW), 1,600-megawatt hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS), known as the Tara BESS, on lands located at Concession 4, in the former Arran Township.
The proposed facility, part of Ontario’s long-term energy procurement under the IESO’s LT1 program, was intended to support the province’s electricity grid by enhancing reliability and integrating renewable energy. However, the project site lies within a regulated floodplain that would require substantial alteration and a corresponding amendment to the Bruce County Official Plan to permit such use.
Residents attended the public meeting held as part of the planning process, demonstrating strong community interest in the proposed project. Attendees engaged with Council and staff, voicing a range of concerns and questions related to environmental impacts, land use compatibility, and long-term implications for the surrounding area. Their participation played an important role in informing the decision-making process.
Following extensive review by Bruce County, the Municipality, and the local Conservation Authority, it was concluded that the applicant had not adequately demonstrated that the proposed development aligns with the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) 2024, or with the Bruce County Official Plan. Concerns were also raised regarding potential impacts on natural heritage features, hazard areas, and unresolved cultural heritage and archaeological requirements.
As a result, Council supported the recommendation to deny the application.
