Wind Power News: Ontario
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch. They are the products of and owned by the organizations or individuals noted and are shared here according to “fair use” and “fair dealing” provisions of copyright law.
Nation Rise Wind Farm granted approval to continue project
A renewable energy approval was reinstated for the Nation Rise Wind Farm. This comes after EDP Renewables, the owner of the project, asked the Ontario Supreme Court for a judicial review. Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks Jeff Yurek had revoked the project’s REA in December, citing concerns over the potential impact on big brown bats, hoary bats and little brown bats – all on the Species at Risk Ontario List. The Nation Rise Wind Farm is largely situated in . . . Complete story »
Nation Rise Wind Farm opponents aren’t blowing away
NORTH STORMONT – A group of North Stormont residents said they will continue opposing EDP Renewables’ Nation Wind Rise Farm, which they deem harmful to their community. The project will see the completion of 29 wind turbines in the northern section of the township. Its timeline has been marred with controversy, opponents to the project slowed down its approval as much as they could, then appealed it to the Environmental Review Tribunal, then asked Ontario Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks . . . Complete story »
We do not consent
An open letter to: Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey, Premier Doug Ford, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks Jeff Yurek. In September 2019, residents of North Stormont Township and abutting townships sent Eastern Ontario Health Unit medical officer of health Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, as well as the premier, the attorney general, the ministers of health, environment, and energy a notice of non-consent. It was signed by people of all ages— children and adults. The people do not consent to any . . . Complete story »
Wind turbine project to proceed after citizens, minister, choose not to appeal judge’s ruling
CORNWALL – The Concerned Citizens of North Stormont, the main group opposing EDP Renewables’ Nation Rise Wind Project, has decided not to appeal the Ontario Divisional Court’s decision to reinstate the project’s Renewable Energy Approval. “After considering all of our options, this was the best possible outcome for CCNS,” said Margaret Benke, a representative of the group. “It is not our first choice since we have challenged the project for the past five years, but it is a realistic outcome, given . . . Complete story »
Minister and Concerned Citizens of North Stormont will not appeal court’s Nation Rise decision
NORTH STORMONT – The local group that tried to stop the Nation Rise Wind Farm has dropped their fight and won’t pursue a court appeal, clearing the way for the developer to resume construction on the partially completed half-billion-dollar project without the looming threat of an unresolved legal battle. The Concerned Citizens of North Stormont (CCNS) also report in a press release this morning that the Ministry of the Attorney General has indicated that Jeff Yurek, Minister of Environment, Conservation and . . . Complete story »
Turbine neighbour writes that he ‘deserves and requires answers and help’ on his well water issues
This was my recent letter to the mayor of North Stormont. Mayor Wert, I’d very much like an update on what is going on with my contaminated well water. It’s been a very long time since you attended my home on November 19th, 2019, as per the direction of MPP Jim McDonell, assuring me my well water issues would be looked after in front of my partner and three important friends also in attendance at my home that Friday evening – . . . Complete story »
Decline in residential property values will hurt Nation Rise Wind Farm leaseholders, too
This is an updated open letter to the leaseholders of North Stormont, landowner participants in Nation Rise Wind Farm. Were you aware that: • North Stormont has marginal and unreliable wind yet EDPR expects to be paid a profit by Ontario regardless, even though Ontario has excess capacity already. • Wind Turbines are bad for the environment. They require new gas plants for backup as Water turbines and nuclear are throttled back because of excess capacity and cannot respond quickly . . . Complete story »
North Stormont throws in towel in wind farm case
BERWICK – It appears that most of North Stormont council’s members have thrown in the towel when it comes to opposing the Nation Rise Wind Farm project, opting instead to move forward with the project’s developer EDP Renewables. The majority of council, 4-1, voted against a motion presented by Coun. Roxane Villeneuve during a May 27 council meeting that would have labeled the township as an unwilling host of the project. Council has, twice before, approved a resolution indicating it was . . . Complete story »
To appeal or not to appeal: COVID-19 crisis buys province time to decide next move on Nation Rise
NORTH STORMONT – The COVID-19 crisis has delivered a dose of extra time for Jeff Yurek and the province’s legal machinery to consider appealing the May 13 court decision reviving the Nation Rise Wind Farm project in this rural township. The Ontario Superior Court (Divisional Court) ruled May 13 that Yurek, the Environment, Conservation and Parks minister, was wrong in revoking the project’s prior approval in December 2019 – a decision that stilled construction on the partially completed $450-million, 29-turbine development. In . . . Complete story »
North Stormont Council loses appetite for continued Nation Rise battle, sees developer as ‘partner’
BERWICK – Should the province appeal a recent court decision that reinstated approval for the Nation Rise wind project, it won’t be at the urging of North Stormont Council. In a 4-1 vote, the majority rejected Councillor Roxane Villeneuve’s proposed resolution calling on Environment, Conservation and Parks Minister Jeff Yurek to appeal his ministry’s May 13 loss in Divisional Court and reaffirming the township’s status as an “unwilling host” of the 29-turbine Nation Rise development. With a prepared statement early in . . . Complete story »
