National Wind Watch: Wind Energy News » Pelham may back Wainfleet’s turbine opposition

John Durley wants the provincial government to know that Pelham supports its neighbour in its unwillingness to host wind turbines.

The Ward 3 councillor said Monday night that he wanted to make a motion to support Wainfleet in its efforts. Council directed town staff to report back with more information and recommendations.

The Township of Wainfleet recently passed a resolution that states the municipality doesn’t want wind turbine projects in its community and sent a letter stating its stance on wind turbine development to Premier Kathleen Wynne, the Ministry of the Environment and the province of Ontario.

The resolution came about after Wynne conveyed the government’s desire to limit industrial wind turbine projects to communities that are willing hosts.

Wainfleet’s motion was received by Pelham council and the issue was up for discussion at Monday night’s meeting.

“The controversial issue of wind turbines has been a hot button issue in Wainfleet. I think it’s important to look at the fact that more municipalities are becoming unwilling hosts,” Duley said, adding the issue should be “kept on the radar.”

Wainfleet Mayor April Jeffs said she was pleased to hear the news that Pelham is considering supporting Wainfleet.

“It holds so much more weight when it’s our neighbouring municipalities supporting us. I think it shows a lot and sends a message,” Jeffs said later.

“If we’re not willing hosts, then the province should respect it.”

The mayor said she realizes wind turbines could benefit some areas, like Welland where 200 jobs will be created to manufacture wind turbine blades, but energy projects to dot landscapes don’t fit in Wainfleet.

“Jobs are great but I really believe it’s going to be short term and produce something people don’t want.”