Residents promise to continue opposition 3 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, October 1, 2009 Continued from page 1 steam turns turbines and also creates electricity in the second stage and that limits emissions right off the bat," said Chin. "This plant goes further, though, because it has got one of the most efficient turbine engines that is available anywhere in the world today. So, that is yet a second high standard that allows them to meet our very stringent controls and perhaps even be able to exceed them." Chin said this ability is important because the power plant, which will provide electricity for the growing southwest GTA, will have to meet emissions standards that are 70 per cent stricter than what is currently required by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. TransCanada expects to have the power plant running by Dec. 31, 2013 and estimates the capital cost of the plant to be around $1.2 billion -- all of which will be financed privately. A spokesperson for the company noted they are proud to have been selected and are eager to get to work. "We're really happy to have won and to be bringing this clean and reliable electricity to Oakville," said Chris Breen, TransCanada. "I remind people that we have been operating power plants in Ontario for over 20 years. We have been doing so very harmoniously within the communities we are located. In all these situations, we establish a community liaison committee and that committee provides an opportunity for residents to regularly have contact and communication with us as a power producer. It allows them to identify any issues or concerns in a formal manner and it allows us to come back with solutions and remedies for those concerns." TransCanada has said the plant will create about 600 construction jobs over a 28month period with about 25 permanent jobs LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER FUTURE SITE: The TransCanada Power Plant site, looking east towards Toronto from Royal Windsor Drive and South Service Road. being created to operate and maintain the facility. Breen has previously stated that TransCanada could also be expected to pay an annual property tax to the tune of $1 million with development charges bringing in another $1 million. All of this means little to many area residents who fought to keep the power plant. They fear it will negatively impact their health and their community. For Doug MacKenzie, leader of the Chartwell-Maple Grove Residents' Association, the last few months have been a flurry of protests, rallies and petition drives. Wednesday's announcement was not the result he had been hoping for, particularly because the plant will be situated only 400 metres away from a residential area. "It's a disaster," said MacKenzie. "Environmentally it's the worst site they could have chosen. It's the closest to the community. It's bad for Clarkson, too, because Clarkson is going to be downwind from it." MacKenzie said he would be devoting his time to planning and regrouping to see what options are left to keep the plant from being constructed. "We are not going to lie down on this," he said. "We're going to keep fighting." Ron Fiorelli, leader of the Joshua Creek Residents' Association, made a similar promise, noting his community has too much to lose if the power plant is established. "We're worried about the impact of the emissions on the community. The OPA talks about setting the emissions standards 70 per cent higher, but that's a bit of a joke when you consider that their emissions standards See Council page 5 10 for $10 is back For a limited time only. by your taste buds' popular demand. Enjoy 10 great-tasting meals for just $10 each, including the Pepper Pizza with side Caesar salad, the Baja Salad, and BP's Prime Rib Burger with Cheddar and Bacon. Available every day. This is one grand return that you definitely don't want to miss. Boston Pizza Oakville 2011 Winston Park Dr. QEW & Winston Churchill Oakville, ON MISSISSAUGA NEWS FILE PHOTO ARTIST'S RENDERING: A woman looks at an artist's rendering of the proposed TransCanada gas-fueled power plant on Royal Windsor Drive in Oakville. 905.829.8370 Registered trademarks of Boston Pizza Royalties Limited Partnership, used under license. *Registered trademark of Boston Pizza International Inc. © Boston Pizza International Inc. 2009