Wainfleet mayor says wind fight will continue
Credit: Wainfleet reacts to wind turbines | By Sarah Ferguson, The Tribune | Wednesday, October 9, 2013 | www.stcatharinesstandard.ca ~~
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Translate: FROM English | TO English
In response to a nine-megawatt industrial wind turbine farm going ahead in their municipality, Wainfleet councillors met with the town’s lawyer in a closed session Tuesday night to consider a course of action.
Despite opposition from the community and township council, Wainfleet Wind Energy Inc. received its Renewable Energy Approvals by the Ministry of the Environment Monday to install five turbines that are 95 metres tall at the hub and 140 metres tall to the tip of the blades.
Loeffen Farms and Rankin Construction have formed a partnership and will build the turbines on private land.
Wainfleet council has declared itself an unwilling host of wind turbines since learning about the project.
Mayor April Jeffs remained tight-lipped about the closed meeting held Monday but the township may choose to appeal the project to the Environmental Review Tribunal through the Ministry of the Environment.
“In the closed meeting, the lawyer gave us as much advice as possible with short notice,” Jeffs said.
“We are continuing to examine the options. I am considering calling a special meeting, probably a closed-session before the next council meeting on Oct. 22.”
Jeffs said there is a short timeline council must follow to appeal the project. The town’s course of action will likely be announced at the next council meeting.
The Ministry of the Environment gave approval, along with 15 stipulations concerning construction, maintenance and operation of the towers.
Tom Lewis, project manager for IPC Renewables, the company responsible for developing the project for Wainfleet Wind Energy, said construction will begin as soon as possible.
“Within the next couple of days, driveways will be starting and there will be light construction if the weather holds out,” Lewis said.
Once standing, electrical hookups will need to be installed for the turbines to be operational.
“We’re looking at commissioning the turbines at the end of the year, or early next year at the latest.”
sarah.ferguson@sunmedia.ca
Twitter: s_ferguson25
Who: Township of Wainfleet
What: Council will hold a second closed-meeting to discuss a course of action for a wind turbine project expected to begin construction in Wainfleet.
When: The meeting will be held prior to the town’s Oct. 22 council meeting.
Where: Wainfleet council chambers
Why: The Township of Wainfleet has declared itself an unwilling host of wind turbines.
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