Plans for a $1-million solar project on the roof of the PMD arena have been scrapped.
Last week, Mapleton council decided not to proceed with the project as an owner or partial owner, or even as a lessee of the space on the arena roof.
Councillor Neil Driscoll said the payments for leasing the space would “go nowhere” when it comes time to remove the solar panels at the end of the project’s life.
Finance Director Mike Givens had included borrowing $300,000 in the 2011 draft budget for the township’s 30% portion of the solar project (proponent Essex Energy would own the other 70%). But councillors seemed even less inclined to own part of the project.
“I’m not in favour of the proposal,” councillor Andy Knetsch said of the solar project in general.
Councillor Mike Downey said he likes the idea of solar projects, but residents have expressed concern about the municipality acting as an owner for a project that should be left up to private companies to own and operate.
“So I guess I can’t support it,” Downey said of making an investment in the project.
Driscoll added, “I can’t borrow money on a whim,” and he can’t spend other people’s money on such a project.
Council voted unanimously not to proceed with the solar project. Councillor Jim Curry was absent.
