Close 5-4 vote ends motion to send letters now against NB Power project
In early September, Councillor Michael Tower introduced a motion opposing the Centre Village Renewables Integration and Grid Security Project. That motion, numbered #25-125, returned to council chambers during a special sitting on September 23rd. The debate followed a round of community budget requests and lasted just under 50 minutes.
The project involves ProEnergy and the proposed NB Power gas plant near Midgic.
Motion to delay
The meeting began with a procedural motion from Mayor Andrew Black to delay Tower’s motion until October 14.
“Our bylaw is clear about the process for a notice of motion.”
Tower, councillor for Ward 3, opposed the delay.
“So I don’t think we can wait. I think we should go forward with this now and get it done. Sent off and cancel one and get moving forward.”
The postponement was defeated 5–4.
Debate on Motion #25-125
Council then returned to Motion #25-125. It called for letters to Premier Susan Holt, NB Power and ProEnergy urging immediate cancellation of the project, for NB Power to prioritize wind and solar supported by battery energy storage, and for a meeting with the premier.
Tower opened debate with resident feedback and concerns about water and battery storage claims.
Listen to the audio:
“I think that we really want to get away from using natural gas and diesel. And try to encourage our premier to cancel it and move forward.”
Allison Butcher, councillor for Ward 3, said company claims did not match what she had learned. Butcher said,
“They called it, um, an addition to green, um, energy, but it is not green energy. It is burning fossil fuels. So it is an addition to our green energy in the same way that a sugary breakfast can be part of a healthy breakfast.”
Bruce Phinney, councillor for Ward 3, said trust was broken.
“the one thing that really stuck in my crow was the fact that they lied… they lied completely.”
Josh Goguen, councillor for Ward 3, said most residents he heard from were opposed.
“I’ve heard maybe one or two people that are for it, but the vast majority that I’ve spoken with have been against it.”
Calls for caution
Deputy Mayor Matt Estabrooks, representing Ward 4, argued council should be fact-based and neutral.
“We are elected officials. We are not activists, we are not environmental experts.”
He continued,
“I would urge the public to educate themselves on these topics so that you’re aware of facts. As a caution, I would offer that neither social media posts or independent blogs would be considered reputable sources for facts. When you’re researching these influences are typically the reason of projects such as this gets blown way outta proportion, and the actual details are misrepresented.”
Estabrooks also added,
“This project is expected to contribute between 350 and $400 million to our community over the next 25 years.”
Councillor Barry Hicks of Ward 2 said the provincial review should come first,
“I think that we need to wait for EIA. I will not support a motion now to go ahead and send a letter.”
Debbie Wiggins-Colwell, councillor for Ward 1, said professionals should answer outstanding questions.
“We have to wait to see what the EIA has present to us… we should have the professionals here in front of us to ask the question.”
Mayor Andrew Black argued the motion was outside municipal jurisdiction.
“Municipalities need to stay in their lane.”
Greg Martin, councillor for Ward 5, did not speak before the vote but opposed the motion.
Outcome
Tower closed debate with criticism of NB Power’s approach.
“NB Power tried. And is still trying to pull the wool over people by doing the slight of hand.”
In the end, the vote was four in favour and five against. The motion was defeated.
