Proposed Lithium Iron Battery Energy Phosphate Storage System (BESS) in Armour Township

Notice of Business Name Change

Effective July 23, 2025, SolarBank Corporation has changed its legal business name to PowerBank Corporation under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario Corporation Number 2389017). Please note that all documents, materials, and references on this website now reflect the new business name PowerBank Corporation. Any mention of SolarBank Corporation refers to the same entity prior to the name change.


History, Background Information & Planning Process Updates

Armour Township Council met in 2022 to consider supporting a Lithium Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at 219 Peggs Mountain Road. As part of Council’s consideration, the public was engaged at the time by presenting the proposal publicly as well as hosting a Public Meeting at Katrine Community Centre, notifying the adjacent property owners.


PowerBank (previously SolarBank) has secured IESO approval to establish a 4.99 MW BESS in Armour Township.


During recent consultations with Township staff in connection with proposed Official Plan and Zoning Amendments, and site plan approval for BESS, Township staff requested a full and transparent public engagement process.


Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Proposal

The applicant proposes to co-locate a 4.99 megawatt BESS operation with an existing solar array on the land. Ontario’s electrical distribution regulator, IESO approved the subject Pegg’s Mountain property for expedited approval.  The applicant will be submitting an information package on BESS systems as part of the application submission.  The project will consist of nine identical energy storage containers, five inverters, two transformers, overhead poles to connect to HydroOne 44kV distribution system and other auxiliary electrical equipment. The containers and power conversion systems (inverter and transformer) will be mounted on concrete foundations. Collection cabling between the containers and inverters will be installed below the surface at an approximate depth of 1 m.


Future Consent Application for a Lease to April 2047

Following approval of the Official Plan Amendment and Rezoning applications, the applicant will submit an application to the Southeast Parry Sound District Planning Board for a consent under Section 51 of the Planning Act to allow the applicant to lease the proposed BESS site.


Site Plan and Building Permit Applications

Following approval of the Official Plan Amendment and Rezoning applications, PowerBank will submit a Site Plan approval application to the Township of Armour. The site plan is based on the recommendations of the supporting technical studies including a geotechnical study, a noise impact study, and a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment. A future application for a building permit will be made following the approval of the planning applications.


Proposed Public Engagement Process

  1. PowerBank to make complete Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment, and SIte Plan Agreement applications to Armour Township illustrating the scale and location and function of the BESS.
  2. PowerBank to submit supporting documentation, BESS location, project details, the Planning Justification report and descriptions of technical studies including environmental and planned fire suppression guarantees.
  3. PowerBank applications and documentation will be posted on the Township of Armour website.
  4. Armour Township to circulate the proposal to interested agencies making available the supporting documentation.
  5. Armour Township to post the documentation and project details to the public.
  6. Armour Township shall give notice of and hold the prescribed public meeting under the Planning Act including the link to the supporting material. Armour Township staff may, at its discretion, publish a broader notice of the BESS public meeting at PowerBank's expense. The published notice will include the website address where the supporting material can be reviewed by the public.
  7. At the public meeting, PowerBank's Planner will provide a presentation on the proposed BESS OPA/ZBA applications and answer public and Council questions.
  8. Armour Township will host a regular council meeting to receive recommendations from the Municipal Planner.
  9. During the regular council meeting, pre-registered public delegations will have an opportunity to further representations to Council before a final decision is made on PowerBank's proposed OPA and ZBA.
  10. Armour Township will consider the input received and recommendations as well as any necessary follow-ups and decide on PowerBank's OPA and ZBA during the Council meeting following the Municipal Planner's recommendations.


For additional information, please email Charlene Watt, Municipal Clerk at clerk@armourtownship.ca




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