HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2025-403 - Rooftop Solar InstallationsStaff Report
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Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Special Council
DATE OF MEETING: October 6, 2025
SUBMITTED BY: Rosa Bustamante, Director, Planning & Housing Policy, 519-783-
8929
PREPARED BY: Janine Oosterveld, Manager, Customer Experience & Project
Management, 519-783-8942
Sloane Sweazey, Senior Policy Advisor, 519-783-8988
WARD(S) INVOLVED: Wards 1 and 5
DATE OF REPORT: October 6, 2025
REPORT NO.: DSD -2025-403
SUBJECT: Request by Dream Industrial Canada Solar Inc. for Municipal
Support Resolutions for Rooftop Solar Installations at 1460
Strasburg Road, 250, 500 and 550 Trillium Drive, 60 Steckle
Place, and 355 Shirley Avenue
RECOMMENDATION:
That Municipal Support Resolution associated with properties addressed as 1460
Strasburg Road, 550 Trillium Drive and 500 Trillium Drive for the installation of rooftop
solar panels as part of the Second Long -Term Request for Proposals (LT2 RFP)
attached to Development Services Department report DSD -2025-403 as Attachment
`A' be endorsed; and further,
That Municipal Support Resolution associated with properties addressed as 250
Trillium Drive, 60 Steckle Place and 355 Shirley Avenue for the installation of rooftop
solar panels as part of the LT2 RFP attached to staff report DSD -2025-403 as
Attachment `B' be endorsed; and further,
That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the Municipal Support Resolutions
attached to staff report DSD -2025-403 as Attachment `A' and `B' and any other
additional documents in support of the Municipal Support Resolutions as required by
the Province of Ontario, to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
• The purpose of this report is to seek a Council decision on 2 Municipal Support
Resolutions for Dream Industrial Canada Solar Inc. to install 2 proposed Long -Term
Request for Proposals submissions to the Province.
• The key finding of this report is that staff recommend Council's endorsement of the
subject Municipal Support Resolutions as they are in alignment with the City's climate
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goals, land use planning policies and economic development objectives and do not pose
any undue impacts on the surrounding community.
• There are no financial impacts associated with this report.
• Community engagement included the staff report posted on the City's website. Council
may choose to direct the applicant to conduct further engagement through the Municipal
Support Resolutions if deemed appropriate.
• This report supports Cultivating a Green City Together: Focuses a sustainable path to
a greener, healthier city; enhancing & protecting parks & natural environment while
transitioning to a low -carbon future; supporting businesses & residents to make climate -
positive choices.
BACKGROUND:
As part of the Province's plan to meet growing electricity demand, the government has
tasked Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) with managing a series of
competitive electricity resource procurements focusing on delivering new electricity
generation and capacity resources.
The Second Long -Term Request for Proposals (LT2 RFP) launched in July 2025 and
includes a series of annual procurements. The first submission deadline is in Q4 2025, with
contracts awarded in Q1 2026 and expected commercial operation in 2029/2030. Four
subsequent annual submission windows are expected to follow a similar schedule.
Municipal governments have an important role in these procurements, determining whether
to host projects in their communities, and overseeing local development approvals. All
proponents are required to obtain written confirmation of municipal support for energy
projects within municipal boundaries through a Municipal Council Support Resolution.
In anticipation of receiving proposals from energy developers, staff is in the process of
developing a governance framework to help guide the City of Kitchener's review and
assessment of proposed projects. Although the governance framework is still in
development, staff has established an initial basis for assessment, which has been applied
to the proposed long-term energy project.
The City of Kitchener received a pre -engagement notification from Dream Industrial Canada
Solar Inc. regarding their intention to submit two long-term energy projects to the IESO LT2
RFP with one back-up location. This report provides staff's evaluation and recommendation
of endorsement of Municipal Council Support Resolutions for the proposed rooftop solar
installations.
REPORT:
Project Details
Moose Power on behalf of Dream Industrial Canada Solar Inc. has submitted two requests
for rooftop solar installations on the following properties with each grouping of properties
with a maximum project capacity of 5.0 megawatts (MW) that feeds into the electricity grid
as part of the LT2 RFP:
1. "Project Q" includes 1460 Strasburg Road, 500 and 550 Trillium Drive;
2. "Project S" includes 250 Trillium Drive, 60 Steckle Place and 355 Shirley Avenue.
The subject properties are identified on Location Maps 1 and 2.
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Page 7 of 15
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Project Q: 1460 Strasburg Rd, 550 Trillium Dr, 500 Trillium Dr
V Project S: 250 Trillium Dr, 60 Steckle PI
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Location Map 1. Proposed Project Locations
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Location Map 2. Proposed Project Location (Part of Project S)
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A 5.0 MW (AC) solar project in Southern Ontario will typically produce about 4.8 to 6.6
Gigawatt hours (GWh) per year. The range (4.8 to 6.6 GWh) reflects differences in weather,
sunlight, and how efficiently the system is designed and maintained. In Southern Ontario, a
solar project of this size would typically generate enough electricity each year to:
• Power about 530 to 730 homes, or
• Charge electric vehicles for millions of kilometres, or
• Replace thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions from fossil fuels
A rooftop solar project involves the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof of an
existing building to generate renewable electricity. Rooftop projects maximize unused roof
space, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide long-term cost savings on electricity
while supporting sustainability goals.
Project analysis
Climate and Energy Goals. Through the provision of locally generated, renewable solar
energy, the subject proposals demonstrate clear alignment with the City's climate and
energy commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to clean energy
sources through the City's Corporate Climate Action Plan 2.0; TransformWR Community
Climate Action Plan; Kitchener Utilities' Clean Energy Transition Strategy; Waterloo Region
Community Energy Investment Strategy; and, the declaration of a climate emergency
[2019].
Land Use Planning. The subject properties have industrial land use designations including
Business Park Employment and Heavy Industrial Employment in Kitchener's Official Plan
with associated employment zoning. Utilizing the expansive rooftops of existing industrial
buildings, the proposed rooftop solar facilities complement the planned function of the
subject properties. The proposed rooftop solar installations are also consistent with energy
conservation and generation policies of the Official Plan whose objectives support and
maximize renewable energy systems in appropriate locations. There are no identified
compatibility or adverse effects to the community with the subject proposals.
Environmental Protection. The projects are not subject to any provincial assessments and
the proponent stated that there are no anticipated environmental impacts during the
construction and operation of the projects. The proponent emphasized the need for proper
recycling of end -of -life solar panels. Moose Power partners with a Nigerian developer to
remove and ship panels for reuse in Nigeria. Inverters also require careful recycling, and
recyclers purchase used inverters for their metal content. Additionally, the proponent
estimates that each project will generate enough clean, renewable energy to power 530 to
730 homes per year.
Local Approvals. After a municipal support resolution is issued, municipalities continue to
reserve the authority to determine whether to issue permits or other local approvals.
Successfully obtaining these approvals is a condition of the contract between the IESO and
project developers. The decision of a municipality to provide a Municipal Support Resolution
on a specific project is not intended to replace, or guarantee that additional approvals will
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be provided. In this case, staff anticipate subsequent municipal approvals will be limited to
building permit issuance. All properties are subject to Site Plan Control and some are
regulated by the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA). Neither site plan
amendments nor GRCA permits are anticipated if construction is limited to the rooftops.
Emergency Management. As the primary provider of certain emergency services,
municipalities should be actively engaged in discussions with energy developers to ensure
that adequate emergency response plans are in place, and appropriate. As part of their
submission to the Province, the proponent will submit an Emergency Management Plan for
each project. Kitchener's Chief Fire Prevention Officer stated that rooftop solar panels
present certain risks for firefighters, but these concerns are addressed through education
and training. Solar panels are commonly installed throughout Kitchener and do not represent
a new risk.
Enova Consultation. It is essential that the proponent consults with Enova as the local
electricity distribution company to ensure the proposals are aligned with both local and
regional planning objectives and complies with all specific grid connection requirements.
The proponent has initiated consultation with Enova and there were no identified concerns.
The proponent must further engage with them for a comprehensive engineering review
during the Connection Impact Assessment Stage later in the process. This process will
determine whether a service upgrade is necessary and if sufficient capacity exists within the
Kitchener service area.
Economic Development. As part of the innovation corridor, Kitchener serves as an
innovation hub and a major attraction for technology and manufacturing companies. Reliable
energy infrastructure is critical to job creation, innovation, and attracting investment.
Additionally, the construction of long-term energy projects has the potential to generate local
employment opportunities and enhance the regional labour market. These initiatives will
also contribute to increased electrical generation capacity, which can attract further
investment in Kitchener. Overall, this initiative offers potential economic development
benefits, including enhanced local energy capacity and the possibility of attracting
businesses by demonstrating increased clean energy production.
Community Benefit Agreement. In the energy sector, municipalities are increasingly
looking to community benefit agreements (CBAs) as opportunities to recover costs, secure
meaningful local benefits, and share in project revenues so they can be reinvested into the
community in the long-term. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario has encouraged
municipalities and developers to seek to negotiate and conclude a community benefit
agreement (CBA) to address priorities and opportunities in a potential host community.
Municipalities may choose to require a CBA as a condition in passing a municipal support
resolution.
In evaluating whether a CBA was warranted for the proposed projects, staff considered both
the potential financial implications for the municipality and the broader community impacts.
Ultimately, it was determined that the projects would not introduce new costs to the
municipality, such as infrastructure upgrades, increased demand on City services, or
specialized training, and do not pose environmental or aesthetic concerns. As such, a CBA
is not recommended for the subject projects.
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As staff advances efforts to finalize a Governance Framework for evaluating future LT2 long-
term energy project proposals, they will continue to closely monitor developments related to
the potential role of CBAs in future LT2 long-term energy project proposals.
Conclusion and recommendation
Staff recommend endorsement of the Municipal Council Support Resolutions for the two
subject projects (Attachments A and B). Staff are of the opinion that they are in alignment
with the City's climate and energy objectives and land use planning policies. Further, as
rooftop solar installations on existing industrial rooftops, the projects have no anticipated
negative environmental or community impacts. The projects will have a positive impact on
the community by supporting the community's transition to clean, renewable energy as part
of the electricity grid and a cleaner, more resilient energy supply.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports Cultivating a Green City Together: Focuses a sustainable path to a
greener, healthier city; enhancing & protecting parks & natural environment while
transitioning to a low -carbon future; supporting businesses & residents to make climate -
positive choices.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget — The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget.
Operating Budget — The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM — This report has been posted to the City's website with the agenda in advance of
the Council meeting.
The IESO mandates proponents to provide municipalities with a pre -engagement
notification at least 60 days prior to the submission deadline to support comprehensive
engagement and consideration of local needs. Should Council feel that additional
consultation is warranted, they may provide direction through the Municipal Council Support
Resolution for the proponent to conduct additional consultation should their project(s) be
selected by the Province to advance through the next stage of the LT2 RFP.
Further, the tenants in the buildings are industrial businesses. The proponent, who is also
the property owner, has confirmed that tenants of all six buildings have been notified
regarding the proposed projects and no objections have been raised to date. Given the type
of energy technology, staff are satisfied that there are no anticipated negative impacts to
surrounding community and natural conservation lands that would warrant further
community consultation.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
There are no previous reports/authorities related to this matter.
APPROVED BY: Rosa Bustamante, Acting General Manager, Development Services
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ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A — Municipal Support Resolution for Project Q:
and 550 Trillium Drive
Attachment B — Municipal Support Resolution for Project S:
Steckle Place, and 355 Shirley Avenue
1460 Strasburg Road, 500
250 Trillium Drive, 60
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Attachment A.
MUNICIPAL RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
Date:
WHEREAS:
1. The Proponent is proposing to construct and operate a Long -Term Energy
Project located on Municipal Project Lands, as defined and with the
characteristics outlined in the table below, under the Long -Term 2 Energy Supply
(Window 1) Request for Proposals ("LT2(e-1) RFP") issued by the Independent
Electricity System Operator ("I ESO").
2. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the
LT2(e1) RFP.
3. The Proponent has, no later than sixty (60) days prior to the Proposal
Submission Deadline, delivered a Pre -Engagement Confirmation Notice to an
applicable Local Body Administrator in respect of the Municipal Project Lands
that includes the details outlined in the table below, except for the Unique Project
ID which should only be required as part of the Pre -Engagement Confirmation
Notice if available.
Unique Project ID of the Long -Term
LT2e1-1372
Energy Project:
Legal Name of the Proponent:
Dream Industrial Canada Solar Inc
Name of the Long -Term Energy Project:
Dream Industrial Rooftop Solar Project Q
Technology of the Long -Term Energy
Rooftop Solar
Project:
Maximum potential Contract Capacity of
5 MW
the Long -Term Energy Project (in MW)
Property Identification Number (PIN), or if
• PIN 50061336, 500 Trillium Dr
PIN is not available, municipal address or
• PIN 50038970, 550 Trillium Dr
legal description of the Municipal Project
• PIN 50061335, 1460 Strasburg Rd
Lands:
4. Pursuant to the LT2(e-1) RFP, if the Long -Term Energy Project is proposed to be
located in whole or in part on Municipal Project Lands, the Proposal must include
Municipal Support Confirmation which may be in the form of a Municipal
Resolution in Support of Proposal Submission;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
5. The council of the City of Kitchener supports the submission of a Proposal for the
Long -Term Energy Project located on the Municipal Project Lands.
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6. This resolution's sole purpose is to satisfy the mandatory requirements of Section
4.2(c)(iii) of the LT2(e-1) RFP and may not be used for the purpose of any other
form of approval in relation to the Proposal or Long -Term Energy Project or for
any other purpose.
7. The Proponent has undertaken, or has committed to undertake, Indigenous and
community engagement activities in respect of the Long -Term Energy Project to
the satisfaction of the Municipality.
8. The Municipal Project Lands does not include lands designated as Prime
Agricultural Areas in the City of Kitchener's Official Plan.
DULY RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF KITCHENER on the day of
, 20
Signed by
Mayor
City Clerk
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Attachment B.
MUNICIPAL RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
Date:
WHEREAS:
1. The Proponent is proposing to construct and operate a Long -Term Energy
Project located on Municipal Project Lands, as defined and with the
characteristics outlined in the table below, under the Long -Term 2 Energy Supply
(Window 1) Request for Proposals ("LT2(e-1) RFP") issued by the Independent
Electricity System Operator ("I ESO").
2. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the
LT2(e1) RFP.
3. The Proponent has, no later than sixty (60) days prior to the Proposal
Submission Deadline, delivered a Pre -Engagement Confirmation Notice to an
applicable Local Body Administrator in respect of the Municipal Project Lands
that includes the details outlined in the table below, except for the Unique Project
ID which should only be required as part of the Pre -Engagement Confirmation
Notice if available.
Unique Project ID of the Long -Term
LT2e1-1374
Energy Project:
Legal Name of the Proponent:
Dream Industrial Canada Solar Inc
Name of the Long -Term Energy Project:
Dream Industrial Rooftop Solar Project S
Technology of the Long -Term Energy
Rooftop Solar
Project:
Maximum potential Contract Capacity of
5 MW
the Long -Term Energy Project in MW
Property Identification Number (PIN), or if
. PIN 50038479, 250 Trillium Dr
PIN is not available, municipal address or
. PIN 50038484, 60 Steckle Place
legal description of the Municipal Project
PIN 50044856, 355 Shirley Avenue
Lands:
4. Pursuant to the LT2(e-1) RFP, if the Long -Term Energy Project is proposed to be
located in whole or in part on Municipal Project Lands, the Proposal must include
Municipal Support Confirmation which may be in the form of a Municipal
Resolution in Support of Proposal Submission;
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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
5. The council of the City of Kitchener supports the submission of a Proposal for the
Long -Term Energy Project located on the Municipal Project Lands.
6. This resolution's sole purpose is to satisfy the mandatory requirements of Section
4.2(c)(iii) of the LT2(e-1) RFP and may not be used for the purpose of any other
form of approval in relation to the Proposal or Long -Term Energy Project or for
any other purpose.
7. The Proponent has undertaken, or has committed to undertake, Indigenous and
community engagement activities in respect of the Long -Term Energy Project to
the satisfaction of the Municipality.
8. The Municipal Project Lands does not include lands designated as Prime
Agricultural Areas in the City of Kitchener's Official Plan.
DULY RESOLVED BY THE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY on the day of
, 20
Signed by
Mayor
City Clerk
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