September 28, 2011
Ontario

Wind rules in Arran Elderslie

by Kevin Bernard, www.bayshorebroadcasting.ca 28 September 2011

Wind energy developers are basically not welcome in Arran Elderslie.

Council has passed a couple of bylaws that throw more hurdles up for potential developers in the area.

Mayor Paul Eagleson says instead of a 550 metre set-back from nearby homes, the township is calling for a two thousand metre setback.

Eagleson says until someone does a health study that shows they don’t need such a big setback, Arran Elderslie will stick with it.

Council also passed a bylaw dealing with fire emergency responses for high-angle rescues – in structures over 45 metres or 150 feet.

The bylaw basically forces a wind turbine developer to enter into a contract with a high angle rescue service provider for any emergency.

Eagleson says the local fire departments are not equipped or trained for fire emergencies at the height of wind turbines.

He basically says if wind turbine developers don’t want to abide by their rules, they can go somewhere else.