Toronto Hydro Offshore Wind Farm meeting: response and interviews 

Video summary of the meeting:

Fact Check of Toronto Hydro’s Community Presentation

First of Four Interviews with Guildwood Residents at Toronto Hydro’s Meeting:
John Mason, an active member of the Guildwood community, provides his perspective on the process Toronto Hydro has used, and raises concerns about the viability of the project the industrialization of the last natural, untouched shoreline in Toronto. Our conversation included some discussion about the history of Scarborough and the Bluffs’ significance to that story. Key Points:

• John received a notice dated January 2nd on January 19th, four days past the registration deadline. He had to call Toronto Hydro and his City Councillor to attend. The notice came as unaddressed ad mail.
• Questioned how interested Toronto Hydro really is in listening to Guildwood residents.
• Concerned Toronto Hydro doesn’t appreciate the impact this project will have on the community and by the lack of collaboration between Hydro and the community.
• Feels Toronto Hydro is unable to call an adequate public meeting to provide even one-way communication.
• Doesn’t understand why we would industrialize Scarborough’s shoreline while trying to de-industrialize Toronto’s.
• Believes the historical significance of Scarborough’s Bluffs is not being considered.
• Questions why more suitable locations aren’t being considered and this site is.
• Calls on community to get involved.

Second of Four Interviews with Guildwood Residents at Toronto Hydro’s Meeting:
At the January 20th 2009 botched public consultation meeting by Toronto Hydro Energy Services, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with a Guildwood resident named Jacques. He is, as you will see, a very passionate and informed member of his community. I really enjoyed speaking with him. Jacques discussed some of the scientific elements of the project and provided some very interested insight into the idea of low ambient noise. He explains the health impacts of sound in a very easy to understand way. His comments are both well informed and engaging. What’s more – Jacques isn’t for or against the project as a whole – he is just concerned.

Third of Four Interviews with Guildwood Residents at Toronto Hydro’s Meeting:
I spoke with Guildwood resident Barry Matthews about how he came to his position on the project. We spoke at length about the research he has undertaken to form his opinion and the community involvement it led to with his neighbours. Barry provides a lot of great information on how Toronto Hydro has treated the community and the tactics that have pitted Guildwood residents against the City. Barry plugged the website of www.savethetorontobluffs.com – a great community resource for residents who want to get involved with other concerned residents.

Final of Four Interviews with Guildwood Residents at Toronto Hydro’s Meeting:
Brenda’s story and appeal to Toronto Hydro to recognize the beauty and sensitivity of the Scarborough Bluffs is a deeply compelling story that I hope many residents will enjoy. I personally found Brenda’s story about her first visit to Guildwood and the hard work she undertook to one day live in this community to be extremely touching.

John Laforet’s blog.