Proposed wind power development in southern Oxford and in Elgin County would bring up to 35 wind turbines to area

Debbie Kasman, Tillsonburg Post Correspondent

WPD Canada Corporation, headquartered in Toronto and active in wind energy, solar and battery storage project developments, held an open house public consultation in Dereham Centre to discuss a proposed battery storage facility near the intersection of Keswick Road and Dereham Line in South-West Oxford (SWOX) township.

Approximately seven to eight acres would be taken out of agricultural production and add 90 megawatts of power for up to four hours to the electric system through an existing Hydro One 115 kV circuit. The location was considered advantageous by WPD Canada for its close proximity to Tillsonburg.

At the public consultation, the community expressed concerns that the proposed facility would take up too much agricultural land and many felt that some questions brought forward were not well addressed. There were also questions around whether the company planned to build to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and concerns that the battery storage facility might lead to wind turbine development in the area.

WPD Canada Corporation is required to approach SWOX council for a resolution of support before proceeding.

No formal request has been brought to council or the township in relation to this project due to public concerns.

In related news, in early 2026 Boralex Inc. plans to begin construction of a battery storage facility in South-West Oxford (SWOX), located at Thornton Sand and Gravel just outside Woodstock is moving ahead, And, Prowind, a green energy supplier in Hamilton, is preparing to submit a bid for the Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to develop the Bower Hill Wind Farm. If approved by IESO and SWOX council, this renewable energy project will generate 36 megawatts from six modern turbines in Southwest Oxford near the 401 to power thousands of homes in SWOX for the next 20 years. Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC) and Oxford Community Energy Coop have signed letters of intent to partner in this project. SWOX council will be reviewing required reports shortly as a next step.The first public meeting held by Prowind will be either May 23 or 24 likely at Foldens Hall.

WPD Canada proposing Cedar Flats Wind project

WPD Canada made a presentation to SWOX council in March about a proposed renewable energy project called Cedar Flats Wind, to be located at a to-be-determined area in southern Oxford County and Elgin County. The project aims to develop up to 200 megawatts of generating capacity through the installation of 30 to 35 wind turbines, potentially providing power to approximately 80,000 homes.

Tom Healy, Senior Development Manager, outlined the project timeline, noting that upcoming public engagement sessions are planned. He commented on the need for a municipal support resolution by October 2025 to participate in the provincial bidding process this fall.

WPD Canada will be conducting an agricultural impact assessment and is seeking community input on the structure of a benefits fund connected to the project if it proceeds.

Any agricultural impact assessments must evaluate land suitability, particularly in Wards 1, 2 and 3. If all lands are of similar quality, the assessment needs to prioritize areas with lower agricultural capability, such as Class 2 and Class 3 lands.

Major staffing changes at SWOX

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Mary Ellen Greb, has notified SWOX of her retirement at the end of December 2025. Mayor David Mayberry commended Greb for her dedication after 40 years in the municipal sector and 28 years in various roles with SWOX. He acknowledged there comes a time to step aside, allowing the next generation the opportunity to lead, and highlighted her unwavering commitment to public service and exemplary standard she set for staff. Julie Middleton, the current Clerk/Deputy CAO, will be promoted to CAO following the retirement of Greb.

Howard Leaver, the Chief Building Official (CBO) retired in December 2024 leaving a staff vacancy. Since that time, the township has been working with RSM Building Consultants in Cambridge to provide CBO services on a temporary basis. This arrangement is not considered a sustainable long-term solution due to cost implications.

The township explored the possibility of sharing CBO services with neighbouring municipalities, but other municipalities do not have the resources to extend their services to other areas.

Staff proposed that the township's current Drainage Superintendent position be transitioned into the position of Deputy Chief Building Official/Drainage Superintendent, to ensure uninterrupted service and mentorship within the township’s building department. Staff recommended the appointment of Brad Smale on a six-month contract as the Township’s CBO from April to October 2025.

Acting Fire Chief Paul Groeneveld has been replaced by Shane Caskanette who joined SWOX as Fire Chief and Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) on January 6, 2025. Caskanette has over 30 years of combined experience in fire services, fire service education, and senior management. He has held key roles in Richmond Hill, the City of Oshawa, the City of Brantford, and most recently, the Town of Tillsonburg.

Update on new municipal office and child-care facility in Mount Elgin

Staff are working with SPH Engineering in Woodstock to investigate the cost difference between a two-storey and a three-storey building for the new municipal office and child care facility in Mount Elgin and what should be included in the building. Council approved Ron Koudy’s Landscape Architects from London to assist with the design and public consultation process for the new park west of Highway #19 at 324032 Mount Elgin Road.

Possible secondary planning exercise in the works for Mount Elgin

SWOX council is expecting a more detailed presentation from county planning staff in May regarding the possibility of a secondary planning exercise for Mount Elgin. The specific details of what this would include and the area that it would cover will come forward as part of the report from county planning staff. Following the presentation, council will decide whether or not this is something that they want to undertake, and if so, when. There is a cost associated with completing a secondary planning exercise, which was not included in the 2025 budget. A crosswalk at the intersection of Plank Line and Mount Elgin Road could be reviewed as part of that process.

SWOX celebrates its 50th anniversary

The township will be celebrating its 50th anniversary on Saturday, May 24 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Mount Elgin Community Centre. Local businesses, artisans, bakeries, food trucks, vendors and non-profit service clubs are invited to participate with 40 free indoor table spaces available on a first-come first-served basis.

Walker Landfill Proposal

There is a need for a new landfill in Ontario. There are only ten years of landfill capacity remaining in the province. Lobbying efforts are aiming to rescind a portion Bill 197, which removes a municipality's right to refuse hosting a landfill. Walker Environmental has argued in the past that they will be unable to establish a landfill if municipalities have the right to reject proposals.

Mayor Mayberry recently met with Oxford County Warden Marcus Ryan to discuss ways to reinforce Oxford County’s stance against accepting garbage from the GTA and advised council to remain aware that this issue is resurfacing.

There may be a request for municipalities to write to the Ministry of the Environment, urging them not to remove the right to refuse clause from Bill 197.

Other

Catfish Creek Conservation Authority is celebrating its 75th anniversary, with a guest speaker and Family Fishing Day planned for June 14 at Springwater Park.

Mount Elgin Parks and Recreation is working on installing basketball nets to the existing park this spring.

Mount Elgin Hall Board is planning for washroom renovations in the Mount Elgin Community Centre and are considering fundraising ideas.