“Whereas, the Council of The Corporation of The Municipality of Meaford has expressed concern over Bill 150 being the Green Energy and Green Economy Act which is now in force and effect;”
So began a lengthy resolution put before Meaford council by Councillor Cynthia Lemon on Monday night.
The resolution which was seconded by Councillor Lynda Stephens sought to request a commitment from the federal and provincial governments to dedicate resources to scientific research into the impact and health implications associated with the erection of wind turbines in close proximity to residential areas.
Also included in the resolution was an expressed desire for upper levels of government to “create and provide authoritative regulations and guidelines for the locating of wind turbines to municipalities and wind energy developers.”
The resolution mirrored one that was adopted by Grey County council on November 24, 2009.
“I am becoming increasingly anxious about the data that is coming out with regard to the health impacts,” said Lemon after reading the resolution into the record, “I am concerned that there is potential for wind turbines within Meaford borders, and I want information and hard data.”
Lemon requested a recorded vote, but before the vote would take place there was debate around the council table. The issue was clearly one of division amongst the councillors.
“I am in favour of alternative energy, I am in favour of wind turbines, but I am exhausted by this kind of negative approach,” began Deputy Mayor Michael Traynor who did not support the same resolution when it came before County Council, “We are getting caught up on the band wagon, the regulations are already in place.”
Lemon countered with concern for the unknown, and what might be should the wind power trend find itself on the doorstep of the the municipality.
“We need to have respect for those that are ill, and those that might become ill if we allow them (wind turbines),” said Lemon.
Lemon went on to express that she would prefer to err on the side of caution, and ensure that the municipality does everything it can to be as informed as possible.
“There are a lot of people in our community that are concerned about this and who are starting a group that will align themselves with Wind Concerns Ontario,” said Lemon.
Wind Concerns Ontario is an advocacy organization that is comprised of more than forty groups promoting awareness of what they feel are the true impacts of industrial wind power facilities.
“I will not support this,” said Mayor Francis Richardson, “I too did not support this at County. This is not new technology. These (wind turbines) have been used in Europe for over 30 years.”
Councillor McPherson after stating that is was clear that the resolution as read would fail, offered a compromise to have the resolution amended to include only the request for resources to be dedicated to research.
Councillor Lemon refused, and requested that the resolution be put to a vote.
In a recorded vote the resolution was defeated 4-3 with Lemon, Stephens, and Councillor Greenfield voting in favour.
