January 17, 2011
Ontario

Wainfleet wind turbine opponents share concerns

Siobhan Morris, 610 CKTB News, www.610cktb.com 17 January 2011

Almost 200 people braved their way through snow and cold over the weekend to share concerns about proposed wind developments planned for Wainfleet.

Among the plans are two industrial turbines on Station Road, three on Brawn Road and many others.

John LaForet, President of lobby group Ontario Wind Concerns was one of the presenters.

LaForet tells 610 CKTB News the lack of local decision-making is frustrating.

He says what happens in Wainfleet will ultimately be decided in a Toronto boardroom.

LaForet says there are also a number of unresolved health concerns around turbines that the wind industry will not address.

Existing studies claim there are no ill health effects from living near turbines.

But LaForet says how people complaining from symptoms can be totally discounted is beyond him.

Ontario Wind Concerns is calling for a full medical study of the impact of wind turbines on their neighbours’ health.

The group says existing industry literature only shows effects on people based on computer modelling, not reality.

But LaForet is not totally opposed to harnessing the wind for energy.

He would like to see smaller scale project that do not require on grid capacity.