June 22, 2012
Nova Scotia

Wind debate continues at public hearing

www.kingscountynews.ca 22 June 2012

The public hearing on the development of wind turbines in Kings County held on June 20 was positive, according to Andrew Steeves, a resident of Black River and owner of Gaspereau Press.

Steeves said in an interview following the meeting that his only disappointment was the lack of debate from those in favour of wind development.

“Why didn’t they come?” Steeves asked.

Steeves said he didn’t want an argument, but that he would have liked to hear the reasons why the developers and some residents are pro-wind development.

Steeves was one of approximately 200 people who attended the meeting in the Kings County council chambers in Kentville. The meeting was part of the process that began last month to rescind a one-year-old by-law allowing large-scale wind development within 700 metres of residential area.

Warren Peck, a South Mountain resident, said he was also disappointed by the lack of communication from those that are pro-wind.

Peck said those that attended the hearing heard from 21 presenters. Out of those 21, two of the presenters were in favour of wind development. Peck said before last night, there was minimal input from developers and residents in favour of the projects.

“It was good to hear from them, ” Peck said.

Peck wanted to shut down the idea that residents were “scared of wind turbine development.” He said he is not outright saying no to wind development. Instead, he says he’s practicing critical thinking.

“Do it right,” he said.

Since hearing about the projects back in December, Peck said he has learned a tremendous amount about the renewable energy source. Peck has put a lot of time and effort into understanding what this project would mean to Kings County. He said he is trying to be a responsible citizen by reviewing how the wind turbines function.

Some of his concerns include the financial, technical, health and aesthetic aspects of the projects.

The second and final reading of the motion to rescind the by-law will be held on July 3.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/06/22/wind-debate-continues-at-public-hearing/