Ontario MNR approves revised onshore windpower policy and procedure
On July 5, 2010 the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has approved revisions to its Onshore Windpower Development on Crown Land policy and procedure.
The revisions apply to all onshore Crown land windpower applicants and are part of the MNR’s broader review of Ontario’s Crown land release process applicable to renewable energy projects begun in September 2009.
The aim of the new revisions for onshore wind projects is to eliminate duplication with renewable energy approval processes, provide procedural clarity to applicants currently within the site release process and to align with Ontario’s Green Energy initiative. Revised policy and procedure for offshore windpower projects will follow the government’s broader decision on draft rules regulating off-shore wind turbines proposed by the Ministry of the Environment. The window for new renewable energy applications for Crown land will remain closed until the completion of the phased review.
