January 14, 2011
Ontario

Include Q&A at turbine meeting

Chris Fell, Staff, www.simcoe.com 14 January 2011

Meaford council wants International Power to include a question and answer session at its next public meeting about a proposed wind farm in northwest Sydenham Township.

Meaford council at its regular meeting on Monday, January 10 unanimously passed a resolution brought forward by Deputy Mayor Harley Greenfield to ask International Power to include more public participation at its next meeting.

The resolution read:

“Whereas International Power Corporation is in the process of developing a 26 tower wind turbine farm in the Silcote/Balaclava area of the Municipality of Meaford; and

Whereas there are many local residents who have many unanswered questions and concerns pertaining to the establishment of said wind farms; and

Therefore, Be It Resolved, That Council of the Municipality of Meaford formally request International Power to confirm that their second public meeting required under The Green Energy Act be in the form of a “town hall” type meeting enabling interested citizens to be involved in a question and answer public forum.”

International Power held a public meeting about the proposal in November. At the meeting dozens of representatives from the company were on hand to answer questions from the public about the proposal, but there was no formal presentation with an opportunity for the public to ask direct questions.

Those attending the first public meeting were also able to submit their questions in writing.

Deputy Mayor Greenfield said he has heard from many people upset about how the first meeting was conducted.

“There was so much frustration and disappointment from the many people that attended,” he said. “They felt they didn’t get answers to their questions. Our residents need answers and they deserve answers,” said the Deputy Mayor.

Other members of council did not comment on the resolution and support for its passage was unanimous. No date has been set for a second public meeting about the wind turbine project.

[rest of article available at source]


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/01/14/include-qa-at-turbine-meeting/