National Wind Watch: Wind Energy News » Wind turbine debate stirs up council

Councilllors debated the merits of supporting a resolution calling for the provincial government to place a moratorium on future wind turbine projects.

Ward 2 Councillor Larry Cowan raised the issue after council received a request from the municipality of Arran-Elderslie asking for support of their resolution regarding wind turbine.

The resolution was actually forwarded to Strathroy-Caradoc by Esther Wrightman, of the Middlesex Wind Action Group. The group is actively opposed to wind turbines.

“I sent the resolution to Strathroy-Caradoc because some of these wind turbines will encroach on their boundaries,” said Wrightman. “At the local high school for example.”

Councillor Cowan suggested Strathroy-Caradoc support a portion of the resolution that speaks to the moratorium.

“I’m very much opposed to wind turbines,” said Councillor Cowan. “And I feel we should support this request.”

Councillor Marie Baker doesn’t feel a moratorium is necessary at this point.

“I think we need to let the provincial government handle this,” said Councillor Baker. “I don’t see how a placing moratorium would be productive at this point.”

Councillor Steve Pelkman suggested the municipality didn’t want to get involved with wind turbine applications.

“I think this needs to remain a provincial issue,” said Pelkman. “We don’t want to get involved with lengthy legal issues.”

When it came time to vote the motion to support resolution passed 4-3 with Councillors Dave Cameron, Steve Dausett and Larry Cowan voting yes and Councillors John Brennan, Steve Pelkman and Marie Baker voting no.

Deputy-Mayor Brad Richards, who was chairing the meeting, broke the tie and voted in favour of the motion.

Mayor Joanne Vanderheyden and Councillor Neil Flegel were unable to attend the meeting.