Statement on the Ward 5 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project
On the battery energy storage project recently approved in our ward, I would not have supported the project as it stood.
That does not mean I am opposed to all renewable energy projects. I am not. But I believe there was more work to be done before this project was ready for approval—more community consultation, stronger engagement with residents, and a greater effort to determine what additional environmental protections, community investments, and other commitments could have been secured.
The proponent conducted its consultation process, but I believe the role of a councillor goes further than that.
As your councillor, I would lead my own community engagement on significant projects coming into our ward. I would bring residents together, listen to concerns, ask difficult questions, and make sure people have the information they need to understand what is being proposed. I would work directly with proponents to improve projects and negotiate for stronger protections and greater benefits for our community.
And I would do the work at City Hall to build relationships with my Council colleagues so that when West Carleton–March needs their support, our voice carries weight.
It is not enough for a councillor to simply be for or against something. Leadership means engaging early enough to help shape the outcome—and building the relationships at City Hall to ensure that when you do oppose a project, your concerns carry weight and it isn't simply pushed through regardless.
There will be more renewable energy and major infrastructure proposals coming before our community in the years ahead. I will judge each one on its merits. I will not automatically support them, and I will not automatically oppose them.
"What I can promise is that I will show up, I will listen, I will lead the consultation, and I will fight for the best possible outcome for West Carleton–March. Our community should not simply be told what is being built here."