In light of a new study announced last week by Health Canada, opposition critics are blasting Ontario’s Liberal government for dismissing concerns about the alleged health effects of wind turbines.
Conservative MPPs Ted Arnott (Wellington-Halton Hills) and Randy Pettapiece (Perth-Wellington) on July 11 called on the province to impose an immediate moratorium on new wind turbines.
Their demand came one day after Health Canada announced a new study on the relationship between wind turbine noise and potential health effects, specifically for those living near wind developments.
“For years, we have heard that some people living near wind turbines are getting sick,” said Arnott.
“Low-frequency noise from the turbines may be causing it.
“Before they build any new wind farms, we need to find out what the Health Canada study concludes.”
Said Pettapiece, “If the government isn’t going to listen to our constituents, they should at least wait for the results from the experts at Health Canada.”
If that study confirms significant health risks associated with wind farms, the government could face serious consequences, according to Arnott.
“What would the government do with the turbines? Dismantle them? Sell them as scrap metal? Give them away as door prizes at Liberal fundraising dinners?” asked Arnott.
Pettapiece pointed to the many letters he wrote to the premier highlighting concerns from across Perth-Wellington. In recent weeks, Pettapiece has written to the premier regarding resolutions from Perth East and North Perth.
In addition, Pettapiece said he has made the premier aware of a survey by the Elma-Mornington Concerned Citizens, a community group in North Perth, which found that 96 percent of residents affected by the Invenergy turbine proposal are opposed to the project.
The Health Canada study is being designed with support from external experts specializing in areas including noise, health assessment, clinical medicine and epidemiology. The results of the study are expected in 2014.
“The federal government is listening to our citizens on this issue,” concluded Pettapiece.
“It’s time the McGuinty government started listening too.”
Perth-Wellington MP Gary Schellenberger joined the call for a moratorium in a letter to the premier on Monday.
“There is insufficient scientific evidence to conclude whether there is a relationship between exposure to wind turbine noise and harm to human health,” said Schellenberger.
“However, the possibility of such a relationship does exist and is cause for concern for many in my riding, which would see a considerable number of wind turbines built.
“Until such time as an independent and exhaustive study is complete, it would be cavalier and irresponsible to move ahead with the construction of any additional wind turbines when human health cannot be guaranteed.
“A significant number of my constituents, from across the riding, share this view.”
