National Wind Watch: Wind Energy News » Wind Concerns group blows into Prince Edward County

PICTON – A group opposed to the province’s plans for wind generated hydro, Wind Concerns Ontario, has set its sights on Prince Edward County’s Ostrander Point.

About 100 county residents met for breakfast with the president of Wind Concerns Ontario, John Laforet at the Waring House Friday morning. It was part of the group’s “truth about turbines tour.”

Laforet applauded residents and local groups for appealing the Green Energy Act and fighting for what they believe to be adverse health issues related to wind turbines.

“We want you to know that Wind Concerns Ontario is standing with Prince Edward County to ensure not one wind turbine is developed at Ostrander Point,” said Laforet.

A wind farm is proposed for Ostrander Point and as many as nine wind turbines could be constructed there in the coming year to 18 months, says its proponent, Stantec.

Laforet outlined how the Prince Edward South shoreline is recognized as an important bird area because of the hundreds of thousands of migratory birds that flock to the area each year.

“Turbines will have negative impacts on health, landscapes, wildlife habitats, migratory birds and the economy in Prince Edward County,” said Laforet.

He told the breakfast gathering 80 municipalities representing 2 million people have passed motions calling for a provincial moratorium, insisting no wind turbines should be installed in their community until an independent third party epidemiological health study is completed.

Laforet said he and those opposed to wind turbines believe once the study is complete, there will be no refuting what they already believe to be true.

“Our side has looked at the health impacts caused by wind energy and our side does look at and believe real people,” said Leforet.

If the government can’t scientifically claim it’s healthy for Ontarians to live near the projects, then he wants them decommissioned.

Doug Johnson a resident in Northmarysburg said he’s usually on the outside of these types of issues, but his interest is growing.

“I’m taken by all of the enthusiasm and the number of people who are voicing their concerns on the risks caused by wind turbines,” said Johnson.

But, not everyone in the County is taken with or joining the anti-wind movement.

Founder of the County Sustainability Group, Don Ross, said the fear is misplaced and he wants to see more green energy initiatives in Prince Edward County.

“Change is what gives me hope for my children and grandchildren. When I picture 35 years from now, I can’t fathom what this world will be like if we carry on business as usual,” said Ross in an interview.

Ross is a resident of Milford and has solar panels on his house. He said if he didn’t live in a valley then he would have a wind turbine in his back yard.

“It’s irresponsible to say, I want electricity but I don’t want it produced in my neighbourhood,” said Ross.

The ‘truth about turbines tour’ has scheduled 40 different stops in communities throughout Ontario over the next six weeks. The group wants the tour completed before the upcoming provincial election in October.