The Meaford council chamber was filled to capacity on Monday February 14 as more than 50 concerned residents turned out in support of a presentation made to council by representatives of Wind Concerns Meaford.
For more than a year Wind Concerns Meaford has been petitioning council to do all it can to prevent proposed wind farms within the municipality from becoming a reality recognizing that municipal governments in Ontario are all but bypassed by the provincial Green Energy act leaving limited options available to council.
During their presentation, Jim Brunow and Nicholas Schaut of WCM outlined what they view as the negative economic and environmental impacts of wind farm developments on small communities like Meaford.
“The environmental impact is decidedly negative,” said Schaut, “The Green Energy Act is dirty.”
The pair warned council of the potential impact on property values, the destruction of natural landscapes, potential health issues for residents living in close proximity to wind turbines, and the high costs associated with the production of electricity through wind.
“We are not against renewable energy,” explained Brunow, “In fact we are for it provided that it makes economic and environmental sense.”
A large binder was presented to council which Brunow said contained an extensive catalogue of research and articles for members of council to study and consider as they decide how to procede.
“Meaford is blessed with great natural features including a Great Lakes Heritage Coastline, the Niagara Escarpment (a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve), rivers, valleys, wetlands, conservation lands and incredible view-scapes. Many of these features were protected but the so called “Green” Energy Act has removed this protection. We are being forced to fight for their protection all over again. It is the responsibility of Meaford Council to help us protect this heritage,” offered Schaut.
Brunow and Schaut also questioned the wisdom of investing millions of dollars in wind energy production when the province of Ontario already produces a surplus of electricity, while demand for that electricity has been dropping in recent years.
Council was asked to consider a number of potential actions that could be taken by the municipality to help prevent wind-farms from becoming part of the local landscape.
Included in their list of some 16 actions that could be taken by the municipality were the completion of a Heritage Landscape study, denial of access to municipal roads and road allowances for heavy equipment and transport vehicles as other municipalities have done, and the review and consideration of the wind turbine policies that have been developed by other municipalities.
It was also suggested that Meaford along with Grey County and surrounding municipalities should challenge the Green Energy Act under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The presentation was well received by all members of council who expressed thanks for the work that had been done by members of Wind Concerns Meaford.
“You have educated me,” said Councillor Barb Clumpus, “There are a lot of questions to be asked, and to be answered.
“I can guarantee that your concerns are being heard,” offered Deputy Mayor Harley Greenfield, “I've tried to remain neutral, but the loss of our natural landscape and out quality of life is something that cannot be regained.”
Councillor Michael Poetker expressed strong support for the work being done to halt progress on wind farm developments in the municipality.
“I have been admiring the views around here all my life,” said Poetker, “I don't want to see a single windmill anywhere.”
Schaut and Brunow requested that the municipality form a public committee to work on municipal initiatives related to the wind farm issue, a suggestion that Mayor Francis Richardson seemed to be open to exploring.
Richardson said that a formal statement from the municipality on the issue would be forthcoming.
