WHEREAS, the regulation of Alternative Energy Systems is a provincially led initiative;
 
AND WHEREAS, Section 3 of the Planning Act enables a Minister to issue policy statements on matters of municipal planning that are of Provincial interest;
 
AND WHEREAS, the establishment of policies providing strong and clear direction on land-use planning assists in promoting a clean and healthy environment, a strong economy, and also supports the commitment to building liveable and healthy communities to provide a better quality of life for all Ontarians;
 
AND WHEREAS, the 2005 Provincial Policy Statement released on March 1, 2005 defines alternative energy systems as "sources of energy or energy conversion process that significantly reduces the amount of harmful emissions to the environment (air, earth, and water) when compared to conventional systems", such as gasoline;
 
AND WHEREAS, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) in 2005 included in S. 1.7.1.e. of the Provincial Policy Statement, that "major facilities" should be appropriately designed, buffered, and separated from sensitive land uses to prevent an adverse affect from odour, noise, and other contaminants and minimize the risk to public health;
 
"AND WHEREAS, major facilities that produce certain alternative fuels are not specifically considered by any guidelines, provisions or policies that identify what would be a suitable location;
 
AND WHEREAS, there is broad public concern about major facilities that produce certain alternative fuels like Ethanol being located in an urban setting;
 
AND WHEREAS, policy direction regarding the location of one certain type of alternative fuel production facility, Ethanol Plants, would be advantageous to the MMAH, the Ministry of the Environment, and all municipalities to address concerns related to the appropriate location of such facilities, provide ethanol companies with clearer direction on site suitability, and minimize potential negative impact on communities;
 
NOW THEREFORE THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF BARRIE RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
 
1.  That the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment be requested to provide policy direction on what locations are considered to be suitable locations for the manufacture of alternative fuels, including ethanol, within the Province of Ontario.
 
2. That the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing as well as the Minster of Environment be requested to consider a moratorium on the construction of alternative fuel manufacturing facilities within the Province until such time as a policy statement on location suitability is completed.
 
3. That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, the Member of Provincial Parliament for Barrie and the Federal Member of Parliament for Barrie requesting their support