‘We’re not against wind power’
But Blue Highlands Citizen Coalition says escarpment not the right place for turbines
By Rachel Punch
Monday, September 01, 2003 - 15:00
Local News - THE BLUE MOUNTAINS — Members of the Blue Highlands Citizens Coalition say they are not against wind power, but they do not want to see a large turbine development on the Niagara Escarpment.
“We support wind power,” said Peter MacGowan. “I’m quite happy to put turbines on my property.”
The coalition would like to see smaller, and if possible, locally-owned wind turbines as opposed to the larger wind parks, such as the one proposed by Superior Wind Energy Inc.
SWEI would like to build 67 turbines across 4,500 acres of the Niagara Escarpment. This development would create 100 megawatts of energy.
The coalition would like these larger parks to be built somewhere else, where the whole community is supportive.
“(That way) you don’t have a community being torn apart,” said MacGowan.
The coalition is concerned the turbines will inhibit recreational land use, and deter tourists coming from the area.
“With tourism creating an economic benefit to Grey County of over $196,000,000 annually, we’ve got to pay attention to the natural, outdoor attractions that bring people here,” said MacGowan.
The coalition feels a UNESCO-identified World Biosphere Reserve is not the place to build wind turbines.
The Niagara Escarpment Commission has not yet decided their position on SWEI’s project.
“We have both sides (of the argument),” said Ken Whitbread, NEC manager. “The commission is going to have to make a decision.”
The commission has already come forward and said wind turbines should not be on crown and public lands.
“In terms of wind turbines on private lands, the commission does not (yet) have a position on that,” said Whitbread.
The NEC is in the process of drafting a policy paper stating their final position. So far, it is scheduled to be presented at their Sept. 17 policy meeting, but that is subject to change.
Whitbread said it is a tough decision because this sort of industrial use is contrary to what a biosphere is all about, but at the same time, it is a green-energy project.
“(The wind park proposal) has generated a lot of discussion internally,” said Whitbread. “People are waiting to see what we are going to do.”
The BHCC has had two public information sessions since they formed. MacGowan estimated that about 130 people attended the last meeting. The coalition has also drafted a petition outlining their concerns, which has been signed by about 250 people.
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