March 13, 2013
Ontario

A proposed wind turbine development could be hurting home sales on Amherst Island

Stephanie Wilkins CKWS Newswatch Amherst Island. 3/12/2013 | www.ckwstv.com

A controversial plan to erect dozens of wind turbines on Amherst Island may be taking a toll on the local real estate market.

An island resident complains that she can’t sell her house while the turbine proposal is up in the air.

Newswatch’s Stephanie Wilkins has that story.

An escape from the hectic lifestyle of city living – Mary Lis Best and her late husband purchased this property on Amherst Island 23 years ago.

Mary Lis Best:

“The wildlife, the use of land – it just seemed so sensible to live in a place where it accommodated human needs.”

Now Best is 87 and has put her home on the market – the independent lifestyle that was once so appealing is now becoming problematic.

Mary Lis Best:

“Because I think have driven a car for 68 years and I heard on the radio about someone who did not know the brake from the accelerator and that scared me to death.”

But the tranquility of this island is being disrupted for many, by a proposed wind energy project that would bring over 30 turbines to the 70 square kilometre island.

5 of these turbines would directly surround Best’s property – 2 to the west and 3 to the east.

Stephanie Wilkins:

“Real Estate Agents are required to reveal any potential projects affecting a property to potential buyers. According to Best’s Real Estate Agent once the interested parties are informed of Windlectric’s potential turbine project they become wary.”

Janet Grace, Real Estate Agent, Royal LePage:

“All it takes is just saying well there is a project that has been proposed that entails bringing 33 to 37 huge wind turbines and people just say oh no no no we’ll walk away from that.”

This is the second time Best’s home has been put on the market and without a buyer she is left with few options.

Mary Lis Best:

“I can’t imagine abandoning it and even if I could afford it……..I don’t want to, I can’t think I would.”

And because the turbine project is still awaiting final approval, Best doesn’t know if her house will ever sell.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/03/13/a-proposed-wind-turbine-development-could-be-hurting-home-sales-on-amherst-island/