May 17, 2013
Ontario

Turbine opponents lobby township for resolution

May 17, 2013 by Kris Svela | The Wellington Advertiser | www.wellingtonadvertiser.com

Wellington County won’t get directly involved in efforts to declare portions of the county “Not a Willing Host” when it comes to wind turbines.

The Oppose Belwood Wind Farm Association (OBWF) is hoping to secure a resolution from Centre Wellington stating the municipality is not a welcome host of wind turbines.

OBWF president Janet Vallery said her organization has been having talks about a resolution with Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj. The group has stepped up its efforts for a “Not a Willing Host” resolution after about 20 Ontario municipalities passed similar resolutions. According to Vallery, the group is also encouraged by remarks made by Premier Kathleen Wynne.

“It’s based on Kathleen Wynne’s comment that no community should be forced to host wind turbines,” Vallery said. If Centre Wellington council approves a resolution, Vallery believes it will be sent on to county council for consideration.

Warden Chris White said the county has not been taking an active role in the issue after it sought legal advice two years ago.

“We were told there isn’t a lot the county can do,” White said, referring to the fact wind turbine approval is a provincial government jurisdiction. “We haven’t had discussions at the county level yet.”

White said if a resolution was adopted by Centre Wellington and brought to county council, the county would have to decide whether it should get more involved in the ongoing turbine dispute.

Efforts to reach Ross-Zuj for comment were unsuccessful, but Centre Wellington council is expected to deal with request at its next meeting.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/05/17/turbine-opponents-lobby-township-for-resolution/