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 are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Can Doug Ford keep his promise to axe green energy projects? Many rural voters hope so
The election of a Progressive Conservative government in Ontario has raised the hopes of rural voters who opposed projects pushed through using the provincial Green Energy Act.despite local objections. John Kordas has been rallying local residents and lobbying the government against a 500-kilowatt solar project next door to his farm on 6330 Ganaraska Rd. in Port Hope. Now, he says, he’s been told by members of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party that the new government will pull the plug on . . . Complete story »
Interim report expected for Huron wind turbine study
About a hundred people have, so far, taken part in an ongoing study about the health effects of wind turbines in Huron County. The study will examine reported negative health effects associated with turbines, including noise, vibration and light. Epidemiologist Dr. Erica Clark says anyone living in Huron County within 10 kilometres of a wind turbine is eligible for the study. Clark says an interim report is in the works, detailing some of the results gathered at this juncture in . . . Complete story »
Otter Creek opponents looking for kept promise
Grassroots protesters, including Water Wells First and Wallaceburg Area Wind Concerns, have been lobbying against the Otter Creek project due to concerns with the impact the construction of the nearby North Kent Wind farm had on water wells due to Kettle Point black shale geology and the shallow aquifer in the area. More than 20 water wells have reported significant amounts of sediments that have clogged up the flow of water during construction and after operation of the wind farm began. The group says this particular shale is known to contain metals such as uranium, arsenic and lead that are harmful to human health. McNaughton wasn't available for comment on the election promise. Complete story »
PC promises for wind turbines, 401 safety has advocates asking ‘when?’
One day after the provincial election, and it’s already time for PC MPPs to pay the piper, according to advocates. The PC incumbents of southwestern Ontario kept their stronghold of the area where two major issues were pushed in this election – wind farms and Highway 401 safety. On Friday, advocates for those issues said it’s time for their MPPs to deliver on the promises they said they would. “Monte has always said he wasn’t able to do more from us . . . Complete story »
Green energy: ‘The pigs are not going to fly’
Despite Doug Ford’s commitment to tear apart Ontario’s energy system, consumers shouldn’t expect to see much change in their electricity bills, says an energy analyst and researcher. “Don’t expect your rates to go down. The overall cost of power is likely to rise over the next four years. The power system will look a lot like it does today,” Tom Adams said. What will likely be gone: The Liberals’ $600-million conservation fund that paid homeowners for installing energy efficiency upgrades. . . . Complete story »
Blue stronghold remains in Chatham-Kent, Sarnia and Lambton
The blue stronghold in many southwestern Ontario ridings remained strong Thursday night, and projected MPPs are already laying out the work they’d like to do. CBC projected Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives led by Doug Ford would form a majority government in the province, and local PCs were quick to point out the work they could get done. Chatham–Kent—Leamington Incumbent Rick Nicholls will be back in his seat as MPP for Chatham–Kent—Leamington for the third time, securing about 50 per cent of . . . Complete story »
Election muddies red-hot green energy file
It plunged Ontario headlong into green energy nearly a decade ago, making Southwestern Ontario the province’s Ground Zero for costly wind energy projects that have divided many communities and become a lightning rod for soaring electricity prices. But with Ontario’s Liberal government facing certain defeat in Thursday’s provincial election, and even Premier Kathleen Wynne herself admitting the Liberals’ 15-year run in office is over, the question now is what would a Progressive Conservative or a New Democratic Party government do . . . Complete story »
Chatham-Kent to cover cost of baseline water testing
People concerned about their water wells in the north Kent area can now get baseline testing done for free. At this week’s meeting, Chatham-Kent council approved a motion to cover the cost of water testing. Councillor for that area, Leon Leclair, said he sympathizes with the families whose well waters have become undrinkable and said they need to find out more about why it’s happening. “There’s nothing that’s jumping out at us right now,” said Leclair. Residents who have complained . . . Complete story »
Chatham-Kent to provide baseline testing for Otter Creek
Chatham-Kent has agreed to provide baseline water testing for wells near the Otter Creek Wind Farm and petition the province to protect wells as a water source. The Wallaceburg Area Wind Concerns group spoke before council at Monday night’s meeting to seek protection for the wells in the area near the Otter Creek Wind Farm project north of the community. The following motion was created based on the presentation and approved at the meeting: 1. Council extend the baseline testing, . . . Complete story »
No more solar or wind farms, Progressive Conservative candidate Dave Smith says
LAKEFIELD – Peterborough-Kawartha Progessive Conservative candidate Dave Smith said he doesn’t think any more solar or wind farms should be added in Ontario. “We do not need them,” he said at an all-candidates’ debate in Lakefield on Wednesday evening. “We produce 50% more electricity than we can actually use.” Smith was at the debate hosted by the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and Tourism at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 77 in Lakefield and moderated by Examiner columnist David Goyette. Smith debate . . . Complete story »
