On industrial wind turbines

Mertens alone among mayoral candidates in opposing turbines in the County

Each passing week, seemingly, brings fresh stories that underline the challenges of industrial wind turbines as a renewable energy source. Whether it’s harnessing the unpredictability of the wind, the annoyance and harm these massive machines cause to those living nearby, the unsightliness or just the cost of extracting the small amount of usable electricity that can be drawn from this technology, the mound of evidence pointing to problems with the Ontario Liberal’s energy ambitions is becoming a mountain.

Most recently the New York Times documented the troubles on an island community—not unlike the County—in Maine. Many residents of Vinalhaven sought out the peace and serenity of the island for their retirement. Most were supportive of wind energy in their community at first. That is, until the wind turbines began spinning last November. Now the ceaseless noise from the turbines has destroyed the tranquil retreat for some and has thrust this little community into the headlines of a growing international debate.

Prince Edward County is set to see its first industrial wind turbines erected next summer at Ostrander’s Point in South Marysburgh. Residents in the County, however, have been on the forefront of the battle against industrial wind turbines. Ian Hanna’s legal challenge highlighting the effects of wind turbines on nearby residents, is set to be heard in a provincial court early next year. The case is based largely on evidence gathered by another County resident, Dr. Bob McMurtry, the former deputy minister of health for Ontario. If successful, the legal action could stop McGuinty’s wind ambition in its tracks. Later this month the County will host experts from around the globe as part of a three-day symposium offering the most up-to-date learning on the health effects of industrial wind turbines on humans.

The County’s local council has been mostly silent on the subject of wind energy and its effect on health. Council’s voice on the issue was removed by the McGuinty government’s Green Energy Act which cut down a wide swath of hurdles for wind developers, including municipal control over where, how many and even whether wind turbines are to be placed in a community.

Earlier this summer council refused to show its displeasure in being shut out of the planning for these 40-storey machines in this community—worrying that the province would punish them for speaking out.

Only Peter Mertens, Peggy Burris and Mayor Leo Finnegan voted to challenge the province in July. Ten other councillors ,including three mayoral candidates, voted to stay quiet.

Mertens has been the most consistent voice on the issue.

Peter Mertens wants comprehensive health and economic studies conducted before wind turbines are built in Prince Edward County.

“I oppose wind energy development in Prince Edward County,” Mertens explained to a packed hall last Thursday in Picton. “Until comprehensive studies have been conducted that show that the health and economic prosperity of this County won’t be compromised I will continue to oppose them.”

On his website Mertens says that wind turbines pose an unacceptable risk to the health and economic viability of many residents and business owners.

“Until those concerns are dealt with, I fully support a moratorium on the construction of turbines. The Province of Ontario must satisfy all concerns before approving the construction of turbines.”

Despite voting against the July motion rebuking the province’s heavy-handed approach in imposing turbines on this and other rural communities, Lori Slik now says she too supports a moratorium. Her moratorium, however, is dependent on the outcome of a proposed referendum on the subject. If the majority votes in favour of turbines she will not get in the way of the developers or the province.

Monica Alyea has tried to play the honest broker on wind energy, believing there is a middle ground in which both the government and County residents can win. She authored a motion to study the health effects of wind turbines on nearby residents—a position adopted by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Yet she states on her website that she supports industrial wind energy and is “not opposed to wind turbines in the County.” Alyea, too, has spoken on at least a couple occasions to the Canadian Wind Energy Association—advising these developers on improving techniques in navigating community concerns.

Sandy Latchford will open the door wide to wind developers. She believes industrial wind turbines are part of the County’s responsibility to support renewable energy. She says she is unhappy the Green Energy Act has “eliminated” the County’s say on where wind turbines are located but “it is the law and we must obey it.”

As mayor, Latchford says she will only intervene to suggest alternate siting plans “if solid research comes forward which demonstrates harm to people’s health, wildlife and birds, or the environment.”

Gord Fox also worries about rattling the province’s chain on wind energy.

“We are a child of the province,” Fox cautioned the gathering last Thursday in Picton. “They made us, and they can break us.”