The Dalton McGuinty Liberals voted down a motion calling for a moratorium on new wind farm development last week.
“They’re just not listening to people’s legitimate concerns,” said Wellington Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.
Introduced by the Progressive Conservatives, the motion demanded an independent, study to confirm industrial wind turbines pose no risk to health and the environment. It called for restoration of municipal planning authority.
The motion was inspired by one introduced by Arnott, and a bill introduced by Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones.
Wind farm opponents filled the legislature’s public galleries but, after a few interrupted the proceedings, all visitors were removed by the acting Speaker.
Arnott welcomed local organizers, including the Oppose Belwood Wind Farm Action Group (OBWF), which is joining Wind Concerns Ontario and groups from over 50 municipalities. He drew attention to the Green Energy Act, which the Liberals passed last year.
Arnott said “This legislation confiscated local councils’ decision-making authority, while dismissing serious questions regarding wind turbines and their potential effects on human health. It removed opportunities for public input.”
At noon, Arnott addressed hundreds of protesters gathered on the lawn of Queen’s Park.
He is not giving up. This week, he planned to begin introducing his constituents’ petitions on the subject.
