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Approval granted for solar panel plant (updated)

Terry Rainone's McRain Developments Inc. last night obtained zoning approval for a new manufacturing plant to build solar panels at 520 Allen's Side Road, near Second Line West.
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Terry Rainone's McRain Developments Inc. last night obtained zoning approval for a new manufacturing plant to build solar panels at 520 Allen's Side Road, near Second Line West.

The proposed 17,000-square-foot manufacturing facilty would be built on a 15.5-acre lot there.

Joe Fratesi, the City's chief administrative officer, said the project is different and totally separate from any solar manufacturing plant planned by Pod Generating Group in connection with its nearby solar farm.

City planning staff consider the manufacturing and assembly of solar panels to be a light industrial use with minimal emissions of noise, dust, and odour.

City Council nonetheless zoned the property last night for more-intensive medium industrial usage.

Truck traffic is expected to be minimal, approximately one or two trucks a day.

"The manufacturing process of solar panels will be highly mechanized, with minimal emissions associated with light soldering," says a report presented to City councillors last night. "Outdoor storage is not required as part of the use."

If the manufacturing plant does not materialize, Rainone is prohibited from operating any of the following on the property:

- Contractor's yards. - Delivery and courier services. - Dry cleaning and laundry plants. - Manufacture of food and beverages. - Rental and leasing. - Warehousing, wholesaling and distribution services.


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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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