A public open house will be held April 10 at the Massena Community Center for residents to meet with Boralex officials to discuss a planned solar project in the towns of Massena and Brasher. 

The event will run from 5-8 p.m.

The 200-megawatt array was designed in 2021 by Boralex and will include solar arrays and other project infrastructure such as site roads, substation and electrical interconnection to the National Grid 230 kV circuit, according to Boralex.

According to the project website, the project is currently in early-stage development, with the facility expected to be commissioned by the second quarter of 2027.

"Boralex has begun to engage with the local community (e.g. landowner, town and county representatives, state officials, school districts and groups of interest) and will pursue this consultation process throughout all phases of development and operations," the website states.

Environmental and permitting activities began in the third quarter of 2021 and will be governed under the new 94-c state permitting process through the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES).

Officials say the project infrastructure will "be situated in such a manner as to respect municipal, state, and federal regulations as well as taking into consideration feedback from residents and other stakeholders."

The project is expected to create approximately 150 jobs during construction and will create an unspecified number of long-term jobs to support operations and maintenance, according to the website.

Boralex says the project will be a "boost to the local economy and add commerce for local businesses during construction and operations."

The project will also provide significant tax revenue to the towns of Massena and Brasher, St. Lawrence County and local school districts, officials say.

If approved, the project would create the equivalent power of approximately 56,000 households per year, officials say.

According to the website, Boralex seeks responsible solar development, which can improve soil health, retain water, nurture native species and produce food.

"Current solar racking provides ample space between panels, allowing for maintaining traditional use of the land—while also generating new, reliable income for the farmer," according to the website.

Boralex say they will work with local and state stakeholders to implement adaptive agricultural plans that include animal grazing, manure injection and associated crops, growing shade-tolerant crops and seeding with carbon sequestration.

"Boralex has successfully implemented multi-use on our operational solar facilities. We are continuously seeking input from the local agricultural community on new multi-use options in harmony with the local agricultural economy," according to the website.

For more information, contact Bryan Tripp by calling (905) 691-6141 or emailing Bryan.tripp@boralex.com or by calling Sara Prizzi at (518) 501-4282 or by email sara.prizzi@boralex.com.