National Wind Watch: Wind Energy News » Roads agreements possible with turbine firms

Lambton County Council won’t make the first move when it comes to setting up a road-sharing agreement with NextEra Energy’s 92-turbine Jericho Wind Energy project.

But councillors are hopeful such agreements can be reached with the company and others with wind turbine projects in Lambton County.

“Whether you like wind turbines or not, the province has given them the OK to go,” said Lambton County Warden Todd Case.”

“I think it would be in our interest to have a road use agreement to protect our assets.”

The cost-sharing agreements in the face of heavy industrial expansion projects can save hundreds of thousands of dollars for municipalities, Case said, noting heavy equipment moving along county roads can decimate the pavement.

Staff noted there’s nothing that requires NextEra to enter into a road agreement with the county, but that company officials have indicated they’re still willing to talk.

HEALTH STUDY GETS FUNDING

The Lambton Community Health Study received another $4,500 for staffing costs from Lambton County’s Environmental Initiative Reserve on Wednesday.

In June, the Sarnia Lambton Environmental Association committed $1.45 million over five years to help fund the $4.8-million study.

The study’s board is seeking federal and provincial dollars to fund the remaining 70% of the study that’s seeking to determine if industries in Chemical Valley impact the health of people living in Sarnia-Lambton.

Anne Marie Gillis, who chairs the health study board, said the group is arranging, through Sarnia-Lambton MP Pat Davidson, to meet with the Health Ministry.

TRAINING FOR ELECTEES

Lambton County is offering a training session for elected representatives following the Oct. 27 election.

The Nov. 22 session at the Lambton County administration building covers the Municipal Act, the role of council and staff, closed meetings procedures, municipal division of powers, taxation and budgeting, among other topics.

It’s free, runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

FUNDING FOR IMMIGRANT YOUTH

Lambton County recently received $30,000 in provincial funding to support sport and recreation opportunities for immigrant children and youth in Sarnia-Lambton.

It’s part of the provincial Municipal Fund – Innovative Immigration Initiatives program launched earlier this year.

A part-time position is being created to implement the project that includes diversity training sessions for coaches, teachers and program administrators, and developing a county program that increases opportunities for immigrant youth to engage in existing programing.

The program is about helping immigrant families settle and integrate in Lambton County via engaging kids in sports, recreation and arts programming, a report from county staff reads.

The funding covers from Sept. 1 to June 30, 2015.