Meaford’s council has approved the retention of consulting services from Ravenna Consulting on an 18-month contract to lead the municipality’s engagement with TC Energy on the proposed pumped storage project.
A report presented to council during their July 7 meeting requested approval for the use of single sourcing in order to select Ravenna Consulting, meaning that there were no other bids sought by the municipality.
“This report is being brought directly to Council in the effort to effectively ‘Backfill’ an existing vacant position and creating an opportunity that allows for an immediate transition of a municipal lead in (a) responsibly and seamlessly manner to ensure the municipality is well represented, engaged and informed through the upcoming TC Energy Application and review processes dictated by the ‘Upper Tiers’ and ‘Stakeholder’ Authorities,” the staff report to council advised. “The opportunity to retain the services of Ravenna Consulting provides for a seamless and immediate injection of knowledge and expertise in moving the municipal engagement process forward and proactively advancing the negotiations and building of a positive, accountable and transparent relationship with TC Energy and the numerous stakeholders that are associated with the proposed Pumped Storage project.”
The Pumped Storage Project Coordinator is responsible for supporting municipal interests regarding the proposed pumped storage project and will “enable the development of municipal capacity to assist in providing timely information, development of a Community Benefit Agreement for Council consideration, input to TC Energy, and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.”
Ravenna Consulting is a firm operated by Kim Wingrove, who recently retired from Grey County where she was the Chief Administrative Officer for more than nine years.
“Ms. Wingrove brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will allow her to immediately provide positive results in progressing the municipal engagement and relating to the proposed pumped storage project,” staff told council in their report. “The rationale of this recommendation and the securing of Ravenna Consulting is supported by their experience of fostering and managing positive and responsible relationships, significant knowledge and background in the proposed Pumped Storage Project and unique expertise in navigating the range of upper tier processes and existing network of connections throughout the Region and Province.”
The 18-month contract will cost roughly $207,200, and is to be fully funded by TC Energy.
“The position that is currently vacant is funded 100% by TC Energy and was originally established through previous negotiations with TC Energy,” staff noted in their report. “The recommended eighteen (18) month Contract has been successfully negotiated and formally approved by TC Energy and will continue to be funded 100% by TC Energy. The Contract has been negotiated for an upset limit of $207,200 inclusive of the full eighteen (18) month period.”
During council’s discussion, Councillor Harley Greenfield asked how the consultant would interact between council and the pumped storage advisory committee.
“This position will essentially be the lead staff with the advisory committee,” Meaford CAO Shawn Everitt told council. “What the goal is for more staff reports being provided to the advisory committee. Where there are questions being brought forward by the advisory committee to staff, this individual would be the lead in taking those questions and bringing reports forward, and essentially being the liaison between the municipality and TC Energy, but being a key component to the advisory committee as well.”
Council supported the recommendation from staff with a unanimous 7-0 vote.
