March 23, 2012
Ontario

Council looks at establishing permit fee for wind turbines

Andrew Smith, Listowel Banner, www.northperth.com 22 March 2012

NORTH PERTH – A permit fee is being investigated by North Perth council in anticipation of a low-density wind turbine project for an area within the municipality.
The report was brought forward by chief building official Ed Podniewicz at a public meeting held Monday night, as it has been determined that a category for industrial wind turbines isn’t recognized within North Perth’s current fee structure for building permits. Podniewicz suggested a flat rate be set in the range of $15,000 to $20,000 per turbine.
The meeting was opened to anyone wishing to speak in support of the permit fee, but Paul Verkley questioned why a fee is needed and why the municipality can’t outright refuse a permit to wind turbine applications. Mayor Julie Behrns said the municipality can’t refuse to issue permits, which Podniewicz confirmed.
“The bottom line is if the province has signed off, our hands are tied,” Podniewicz said.
Elma farmer Jack Hovius questioned how the health effects of wind turbines can continued to be denied, when more in-depth sound studies are required and there is no standardized testing procedure for sound produced by turbines. Hovius said the community needs to be united against the McGuinty government and do what it takes to stop turbines from coming to the area. … Please read more in this weeks Listowel Banner


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/03/23/council-looks-at-establishing-permit-fee-for-wind-turbines/