A local anti wind turbine activist is encouraged by a resolution being considered by county council that would make Wellington an “unwilling host” of turbine projects within its boundaries.
“I’m really encouraged about what’s happening in Wellington County,” said Janet Vallery, president of the Oppose Belwood Farm Association (OBWF).
County Ward 4 councillor Lynda White presented the notice of motion at the county council meeting on May 23. The Belwood area is part of White’s ward.
The notice calls on the provincial government and Ministry of the Environment to endorse a motion stipulating “that the County of Wellington is not a ‘willing host’ for industrial wind turbines.”
If adopted by council the motion would go to Premier Kathleen Wynne and provincial ministers – including the environment, energy and rural affairs – for support and endorsement.
Vallery said turbine opponents have been encouraged by comments made by Wynne calling for more local input on proposed turbine developments.
Centre Wellington council is also expected to deal with a similar motion in the near future, as are Mapleton and Minto councils.
According to White’s notice of motion, the county has already requested a moratorium on turbine development “until a health study has been completed by an independent third party.”
However in an earlier interview with the Advertiser, Warden Chris White said the motion will have to garner the support of a majority of county councillors. The county has not been taking an active role in the issue after it received legal advice that turbine development is under the jurisdiction of the provincial government.
At a weekend meeting in Picton organized by Wind Concerns Ontario, participants were told about 30 municipalities have adopted “not a willing host” resolutions, Vallery said.
North Perth councillor Warren Howard spoke on the issue at the Picton meeting.
“The premier said she will only place power projects in communities that want them,” Howard said in a press release.
“So this is the time to speak up. The fact is, Ontario has achieved its goal of closing coal power plants, so we really don’t need to force more wind power projects onto communities.”
County council will consider the motion at its June 27 meeting.
