Perth-Wellington MPP John Wilkinson says it’s better for everyone now that the province controls regulations for wind energy projects – but some residents do not seem convinced.
Wilkinson came to Mapleton council last week to detail the province’s new Green Energy Act, which he called “a very robust set of laws that apply to everybody.”
He repeatedly relayed the advantages of the province holding “the big carrot” (energy contracts with a guaranteed price for 20 years) and “the big stick” (the right to grant or deny projects based on new requirements in the act).
And while Wilkinson stressed the importance for wind farm proponents to consult with the public and with the municipality, several of the 20-plus residents in attendance wondered if their comments would mean anything at all.
“My concern is no matter how hard we cry, no matter how much we jump through the proper hoops – with the support of our council – it won’t matter,” said Bill Kabbes. “I don’t think it means squat.”
Kabbes, who along with John Krul started a citizens group opposing local wind farms, said he is concerned the financial resources of huge companies like NextEra Energy will trump any local opposition.
But Wilkinson said the Green Energy Act will ensure everyone follows the rules.
“I can assure you, in the province of Ontario, it can’t be bought,” Wilkinson said of required approvals. “You can’t get around the process.”
The MPP, also the Minister of Revenue, outlined several of the regulations that proponents must meet, including:
– addressing any and all concerns identified during mandatory consultation with the public and the township;
– strict setbacks starting at 550 metres and increasing with the number of turbines; and
– adhering to a 40 decibel limit for any audible noise.
Mayor John Green told Wilkinson the actions by one of the large wind farm companies has created confusion and bitterness in the community. He acknowledged council does have input on access roads, site plans, and building permits for turbines, but so far that one company has left councillors feeling somewhat helpless.
“It’s very difficult to represent people when you’re playing with a ghost,” Green said.
He explained the company has held just one public information meeting, which was not held in the best location and for which council was provided no special notice.
The same company has changed its name once already, he added, and has been “rather dictatorial” with the township and less than forthright with some residents, the mayor said.
Wilkinson said proponents that are not open and cooperative will have trouble attaining the required approvals. And they must include the township’s input on one of the application documents.
“One of these days they’re going to need your signature,” he said.
Green replied, “Well, they’re making it very difficult.” He said the other large company has changed its plan three or four times, but at least it consulted the township.
Councillor Jim Curry asked about the possible health effects associated with wind projects.
While some claim living close to a wind turbine can cause dizziness, nosebleeds, headaches, insomnia, tinnitus and electrical hypersensitivity, Wilkinson said a government study of all the peer reviewed literature available showed “no causal link” between turbines and any of those symptoms.
He also outlined the province’s recent announcement of a five year, $1.5-million grant to University of Waterloo professor Sivo Siboththaman, an electrical and computer engineer – as one of three Ontario research chairs named by the Council of Ontario Universities – to study the safety of the renewable energy technologies and the effects on the health of people and the environment.
One woman in the gallery questioned the logic of having “an electrician” perform a health study, while Krul wondered what good the study will do in five years, when wind farm construction will long have been completed.
Wilkinson said the government is trying to ensure an open and transparent process that will allow green energy projects to flourish – but only with all the possible protections in place for human, wildlife and environmental health.
“We think a balance has been struck,” he said.
Councillor Bruce Whale said the province may be better suited to deal with all the responsibilities involved with green energy approvals, but living in a rural community, locals just want to ensure everything is done right.
“We don’t have a lot of room for error when our business is in our backyard,” said Whale.
Wilkinson acknowledged there may be some controversy, but said wind farm companies “can’t run roughshod over the community.”
For example, he said any claims from wind farm companies that construction will begin in six months are bogus, because it will take longer than that to obtain final approvals. A NextEra spokesperson has said the company’s 12-turbine project should be operational by December.
One resident in the gallery asked point blank if there is anything the township could do to stop wind farms if the proponents have otherwise met all the government’s criteria.
Wilkinson replied companies must obtain the signature of the township for the application to be complete.
“If the application is not complete, the project will not proceed,” he said.
But Green acknowledged if the companies have met all the province’s criteria under the Green Energy Act, it is unlikely the township can stop the application. He explained if residents or the township say they are opposed to wind farm plans because they don’t like turbines or simply don’t want them in their area – that won’t mean anything.
“We can’t say no for the sake of saying no,” Green said.
Like any development application, opposition to wind farms has to be backed by evidence based either on planning issues or possible effects on residents, water sources, farms, wildlife or the environment.
Wilkinson said the government’s goal is to start eliminating coal powered generators and move to greener energy. The reason companies seem to be applying in the Mapleton area, he explained, is because of its proximity to the Bruce to Milton hydro corridor.
He warned Hydro One’s new 500 kilovolt power line could mean more applications locally, as it will greatly increase transmission capacity along the corridor.
Work on the 180km, $635-million line is to begin this spring.
But Wilkinson said none of the Mapleton applications have yet been approved and he urged residents with concerns to submit comments to the ministry, which is welcoming input on renewable energy guidelines until May 31.
Later in the meeting, Green said township officials will try to meet this week to discuss with residents – particularly those living in the areas affected by the two large wind farm applications – a joint submission to the ministry.
For more information visit www.ene.gov.on.ca.
