County council is prepared to let its individual municipalities decide what position – for or against – they will take on industrial wind turbine (IWT) development.
A motion asking council to consider a “not a willing host” motion sparked considerable debate at the June 27 council meeting.
The motion was put forward by Ward 4 county councillor Lynda White at the May council meeting and discussed at the June meeting last week.
White noted the county had passed a motion last year calling for a moratorium on turbine development until a study on the effect of turbines on public health was completed.
The study is being undertaken by the federal government with findings not expected until next year.
“I have brought this forward because there hasn’t been any information on a health study,” White said. “I’m not in favour of the IWTs until we get more information about the health issues.”
She continued, “What if in two years it comes back that IWTs cause untold health issues and the people who are close to them say, ‘I told you so,’” she said.
Centre Wellington, according to councillor Joanne Ross-Zuj, has passed a not a willing host bylaw. Ross-Zuj, who is mayor of Centre Wellington, has seen considerable opposition to turbine sites going up in the municipality.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne has indicated her Liberal government would like to allow more municipal input on where turbine sites are built, but fell short of allowing municipalities a veto on any development within their own boundaries.
The government has had final say on turbine development under its Green Energy Act, but the new premier seems willing to find ways that would give municipalities greater input, although a clear set of regulations has not yet been put forward.
Warden Chris White said the county has already received legal advice on the turbine issue and has been told it is outside municipal jurisdiction.
However, he added the county is willing to allow lower tiers to pass individual bylaws and would assist if there are any legal challenges.
“The Green Energy Act pretty much strips our authority,” White said. “We have no authority, we have no standing based on the act. The general position is it’s not a county issue, it’s not a municipal issue.”
Councillor Bruce Whale said the county needs to send a message to the province.
“It think it’s important to send a message to the province (that) we’re not a willing host,” Whale said.
Councillor Ray Tout raised concern with a blanket “not a willing host” motion from the county. He said it would look as if the county is “dictating” to the lower tier municipalities.
Tout added he too would like to see the results of the health study.
“I’m not saying I’m for or against turbines,” said Tout, whose township has been conducting talks with a turbine developer. “My concern is with the wording. We’re looking for more information.”
Councillor Dennis Lever agreed.
“Puslinch is not willing [to host turbines],” Lever said of the issue that has been sent to township staff for review. “There’s too many unknowns.”
The motion approved by council will be sent to the premier and minister of the environment, minister of energy and minister of rural affairs for their support and endorsement.
It states that based “on the input received from the community regarding IWTs, the province of Ontario and specifically the ministry of environment be now advised that the County of Wellington supports its lower tier municipalities that pass a resolution that they are not willing hosts for IWTs.”
