In September 2023, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). However, by December of the same year, concerns emerged among Ward 5 residents and Councillor Clarke Kelly due to perceived insufficient community consultation and worries about potential risks associated with large-scale lithium battery installations.

Acknowledging the need for open dialogue, Councillor Clarke Kelly partnered with CAFES to organize a community engagement workshop titled “Our Power Grid” on March 4, 2024, at the West Carleton Community Complex in Kinburn, Ontario. Nearly one hundred residents, encompassing both proponents and skeptics of BESS technology, packed the venue. They convened to explore topics ranging from Ontario’s energy needs to the intricacies of local grid projects.

The workshop featured expert presentations, a robust Q&A session, and breakout discussions aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of BESS technology and its implications for the community. CAFES documented the day’s proceedings in a detailed report and produced a short highlights video, available for viewing here.

The event underscored the importance of proactive and inclusive community engagement in shaping Ontario’s electricity landscape. Participants expressed a collective desire for enhanced information sharing during consultation processes to cultivate trust and transparency. Councillor Clarke Kelly deemed the workshop a resounding success, emphasizing its role in facilitating constructive dialogue and informed decision-making within the community.