September 20, 2017
Ontario

The fight against a controversial wind turbine project in Prince Edward County continues

By Heather Senoran, Videographer | Global News | September 19, 2017 | globalnews.ca

It was a packed house on County Road 10 on Monday night as close to 100 Prince Edward County Residents showed up to discuss the latest about the controversial wind turbine project.

Many are not pleased with wpd’s White Pines Project that was first proposed in 2009.

The original project wanted 29 wind turbines built. Now the plan is to build nine, near the south shore of Milford.

“I’ve never been so angry at anything in my life – and that’s saying something,” said Milford resident Paula Peel. “I think I speak for everyone in Milford except for the six leaseholders.”

Some residents and landowners believe there are better alternatives.

“You could put up 30, 40 acres of solar. That don’t have the height or the infrasound,” said Milford landowner Mario Panacci. “So, there’s other options. Here’s my thinking: why wouldn’t wpd want to find another green solution?”

The Mississauga-based company is already starting the beginning stages of the project.

“Over the next couple of weeks, residents can expect to see mobilization of equipment to the project site, and potential clearing activities and some internal access road construction (on private land),” said Kevin Surette from wpd Canada Corporation.

Wpd was not represented at the town hall meeting that was hosted by South Marysburgh councillor, Steve Ferguson.

Ferguson and the county’s mayor are both frustrated the project is still going ahead despite ample protest against it.

“I can’t understand how this project is financially stable for wpd. How can they go from applying for 29 and settle for nine? I’m just totally disgusted with that,” said Mayor Robert Quaiff.

“So far this Liberal government of Ontario has allowed this to happen and it just baffles everybody’s mind,” said Steve Ferguson, the Councillor for South Marysburgh Ward. “Because before the south shore was about the bats, butterflies and Blandings turtles.”

Ferguson is worried natural habitats could be at risk once massive industrial wind turbines are built.

Quaiff believes the fight isn’t over yet and he will continue to push to cancel the project and the community is ready to rally around him.

“And I’m not going to stop until the first blade is put in the air. I owe that to the residents that elected me,” said Quaiff.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2017/09/20/the-fight-against-a-controversial-wind-turbine-project-in-prince-edward-county-continues/