The ERT rules in favour of the appellants, but WPD Canada may ask for a Remedy Hearing | By Kevin Barnard | Bayshore Broadcasting | October 8, 2016 | www.bayshorebroadcasting.ca
The hundreds of people who opposed the Giant Wind turbines near Collingwood airport are rejoicing this morning on news they have at least partially won their appeal of the project.
WPD Canada wanted to build 8, five hundred foot turbines near the airport and had received the go-ahead from the province.
That approval was appealed and an Environmental Review Tribunal was held over the summer, with the decision handed down late Friday afternoon.
Clearview councillor and one of the appellants, Kevin Elwood says his understanding of the 90 page decision is they met the test that the turbines would cause harm to human health due to the aviation risk created by the turbines.
At the Review Tribunal, Doug McKechnie a former Air Canada pilot with 40-years of experience testified the huge structures would be in the “worst possible position” and pose a “substantial, unacceptable risk.”
Elwood tells Bayshore Broadcast news the ERT decision more importantly says there would be irreversible harm to the environment due to the impact on the little brown bat, which is an endangered species.
The ruling concludes the Tribunal allows the appeals in part, but also states a conference call will be held with WPD Canada on whether it can find appropriate remedies.
Elwood says they are more than gratified by the decision.
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/10/08/decision-handed-down-on-turbines-near-collingwood-airport/