December 29, 2016
Ontario

Huron East no longer “unwilling host” for wind projects

Hueon East No Longer “Unwilling Host” For Wind Projects | By Bob Montgomery | Blackburn News | December 28, 2016 | blackburnnews.com

Huron East council has rescinded an earlier motion that declared the municipality an unwilling host for wind turbines.

Mayor Bernie MacLellan made the motion explaining that he was not aware of any situation where declaring itself an unwilling host had been effective in preventing a municipality from being a host for a wind energy development. But, he pointed out, by rescinding the designation the municipality would be eligible for a Vibrancy Fund payment of 115-thousand dollars a year from St. Columban Energy.

MacLellan added he believes the people pushing for the designation believed it would encourage council to be more aggressive in opposing the project, but the fact is the municipality has no authority regarding the placement of wind energy projects, and now that the turbines are up and running the municipality might as well get the benefit of the Vibrancy Funding.

MacLellan adds given the financial pressures the municipality is under at this time 115-thousand dollars is a significant amount of money, and will help offset taxes for everyone in the Huron East.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2016/12/29/huron-east-no-longer-unwilling-host-for-wind-projects/