Sep 19, 2008 - 11:04 AM

By Jillian Follert

Comments (1)

OSHAWA -- They can't agree on much, but Oshawa's four federal election candidates do have one thing on common -- they're all opposed to a proposal to build an ethanol plant at the Oshawa port.

The question of whether FarmTech Energy will get the necessary rezoning for the plant will ultimately be decided by council this fall.

But it's a federal issue, too.

The Harbour Commission land set aside for the project is federally owned, and FarmTech stands to receive federal cash to the tune of $31 million in capital and up to $20 million in operating dollars in the first year, if the plant doesn't turn a profit.

The funding is part of the Harper government's $2-billion biofuel program, which aims to have all gasoline in Canada contain five per cent ethanol by 2010.

FarmTech is proposing to build a 12-hectare, $185-million dry mill ethanol plant at the Oshawa port on a piece of land behind Gifford Hill and adjacent to McAsphalt Industries.

The proposal has drawn support from those who want to see more industry at the port and a market for local corn. But it's also drawn criticism from port stakeholders worried about the impact on the nearby Second Marsh and the potential for industrial use to derail the City's vision for a people-friendly waterfront.

Here's what Oshawa's four candidates had to say on the issue:

Dr. Colin Carrie

Conservative

I share the concerns of Oshawa residents regarding the proposed location of an ethanol plant near the Second Marsh, the largest remaining wetland in the GTA.

As the parliamentary secretary to the minister of industry, I applaud new investment which aims to create jobs and opportunity in Oshawa during times of economic uncertainty. However, I am not convinced that an ethanol plant can co-exist with the marsh and the adjacent area.

I hope that the Region of Durham, having made the original site recommendation, will work with the City of Oshawa and the proponents to find a more suitable site for the plant within Durham. Consistent with Mr. Crombie's report, I will join all stakeholders in respecting the recommendation that residents, the City and port users participate in an open, public process to resolve this issue.

I support the federal ecoABC initiative which assists agricultural producers' participation in the biofuels industry and helps Canada meet the federal and similar provincial mandate which calls for five per cent renewable fuel content in gasoline by 2010 and a two per cent renewable content in diesel fuel and heating oil by 2012. Achieving these mandates will help put a significant dent in Canada's greenhouse gas emissions.

Dr. Sean Godfrey

Liberal

I am categorically opposed to an ethanol plant at the waterfront, it makes very little sense in terms of economics, the environment or ethics.

The vision that most people in Oshawa have for their waterfront will simply die if this proceeds. It will condemn us to a permanent, toxic wasteland.

And I don't want to see an ethanol plant anywhere else in Oshawa. There is compelling evidence from economists across the world that ethanol is an idea whose time has passed. Ethanol is not the way of the future.

Crop-based fuels have more to do with subsidizing agriculture than solving the energy crisis, and they have contributed to global hunger by leading to speculation, rather than solving the problem of poverty.

It's better to diversify in terms of energy by looking at things like fuel-efficient vehicles.

Pat Gostlin

Green Party

I do not support the FarmTech proposal to build an ethanol plant at the Oshawa port. Ethanol is a costly mistake. Not only does it take almost as much energy to produce the ethanol as it saves, but ethanol from corn drives up food prices.

Brazil uses a lot of ethanol. Their ethanol is created from sugar cane. Corn's energy density is not good compared to sugar cane; it requires an extraordinary amount of energy compared with other sources.

Corn is also used in virtually every aspect of our food chain. Cows feed on corn, so any price increase is seen at the butcher. High-priced corn means more expensive flour and cereal. Corn syrup is also used in most snack foods.

An International Monetary Fund study shows that the increased demand for biofuels is contributing to 15 to 30 per cent of food price increases, according to a policy advisor at the aid agency OXFAM.

We need jobs in Oshawa -- high-paying, secure jobs with benefits. Green, sustainable jobs that do not endanger the environment. The proposed ethanol plant will not provide more than 50 permanent jobs at the factory.

The waterfront is not the place for heavy industry, especially not next to the Second Marsh. I would support an ethanol plant that used switch grass or garbage to create ethanol, but not at the Oshawa port.

Mike Shields

NDP

FarmTech's proposal to build an ethanol refinery at the Oshawa waterfront, next to the Second Marsh, within proximity of thousands of homes is environmentally and morally irresponsible.

However, we should not forget that it is Stephen Harper's Tories who are prepared to throw millions of your tax dollars in subsidies and allow FarmTech to deface our waterfront.

Jim Flaherty and Colin Carrie also chose to disregard hundreds of local residents who signed a petition in opposition to this subsidy and throw away more taxpayer money in dealing with this proposal, which will have adverse effects on thousands of homes in the vicinity.

Like Jack Layton and the New Democrats, I've taken a position of opposition toward the FarmTech Energy Corporation proposal to build an ethanol facility on the Gifford Farm lands near the Oshawa harbour. I've supported the Friends of Second Marsh. I believe that the City of Oshawa should be supported in their fight against the ethanol plant.

The people of Oshawa want a harbour that is user-friendly, safe and a place that will draw more visitors and revenue to our city.