Locals use videos to share industrial wind turbine concerns 

Fifteen well-known County residents, business owners and local elected representatives have made video statements to express concerns about industrial wind projects planned for Prince Edward County.

County residents Borys Holowacz, Janna McCarthy and Gary Mooney collaborated with the participants to produce the videos, filmed and edited by Cherry Valley’s Fifth Town Films.

“The statements are intended especially for the benefit of people living in the County who, because of family or work obligations, have not had sufficient opportunity to inform themselves on this issue,” said Mooney. “We had a long list of possible participants who have been actively involved in this issue, but limited ourselves to 15 people who represent a cross-section of the community. We’re very pleased and grateful for their contributions.”

The videos average two minutes each, and cover a range of topics, including effects on the natural
environment, human health, tourism, the wine industry, cultural heritage and municipal planning.

In his video, County resident and music industry legend Bernie Finkelstein invites Premier Wynne to visit the County, suggesting she “Come and have a glass of wine… and give a second thought to the idea of carpeting the County with wind turbines.”

Councillor Steve Ferguson speaks of anger that his rights, and municipal rights, were arbitrarily removed through the Green Energy Act.

“This is something that in no way should have been allowed to happen. But it has, and we must continue to fight it.”

He adds Prince Edward County is among 91 Ontario communities who have declared themselves “An Unwilling Host” and reminds that more than 90 per cent of the residents of South Marysburgh participated in a vote concerning industrial wind turbines and rejected them being installed.”

He also presses the premier to pay attention to evidence heard at two Environmental Review Tribunals showing why the South Shore of Prince Edward County is the wrong location for industrial wind turbines to be placed.

The videos are being uploaded in stages every few days to The County Speaks Out YouTube channel. www.tinyurl.com/thecountyspeaksout .

Two wind projects, Ostrander Point (nine turbines) and White Pines (27 turbines) have been approved to be deployed over a large area of South Marysburgh, extending into Athol.

The undeveloped part of this area is habitat for birds and turtles, including 20-plus species at risk, and is also a staging area for migrating birds and bats. The developed part is home to hundreds of County families.

Following is a map showing the cumulative Turbine Risk Zone for both wind projects, with 2 km considered to be the minimum safe distance for people and birds. Note: The White Pines wind project has since been reduced from 30 to 27 turbines.

Both wind project approvals are being appealed by the Prince Edward County Field Naturalists and the Alliance to Protect Prince Edward County, respectively. If unsuccessful, these wind projects are to be built later this year, or next.

PECFN and APPEC are faced with tens of thousands of dollars of unpaid legal bills from these appeals. Donations of any amount are welcome at www.SaveTheSouthShore.org .