April 15, 2008
Ontario

Wind farm resolution sought in Kingsville

Council decided Monday to direct its staff to negotiate an agreement with Brookfield Power Corporation and try to avoid a full Ontario Municipal Board hearing over what could become Canada’s largest wind farm.

Mayor Nelson Santos said it’s a compromise that recognizes the needs of Brookfield Power and concerns council had.

If the two sides can agree, the wind turbines would only be allowed in the northeast portion of Kingsville in the former Gosfield North Township north of Conc. 5 and northeast of Cottam.

A report to council said the cost of an OMB hearing could be $40,000. The OMB would still have to approve any agreement reached between the two sides.

In December Kingsville council held a public meeting on changing its official plan and zoning bylaws to allow large-scale wind farms. That night council voted 3-2 in favour of the changes but later when council voted on the specific bylaws, a tie 3-3 vote meant the motion was defeated. Coun. Brad Stevenson had declared a conflict of interest leaving six council members voting.

Brookfield Power appealed the decison to the OMB. Brookfield Power wants to build a $500-million, 149-turbine wind farm in Lakeshore, Leamington and Kingsville. About 47 turbines were proposed for Kingsville.

By Sharon Hill

The Windsor Star

15 April 2008


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/04/15/wind-farm-resolution-sought-in-kingsville/