County News
Cart, horse confusion
Developer agrees to buy turbines for South Marysburgh—but project not yet approved
Even by the standards of the industrial wind turbine industry it was a crass display of arrogance. On Monday wpd Canada announced it was purchasing 52 turbines to be erected on six locations across the province, including its Whispering Pines project in South Marysburgh. It has not yet cleared the regulatory review—nor has it answered the objections of this community, conservation groups or the municipality. Nevertheless the developer rented a room in the Royal York on Monday to tell the world they were buying the machines that will be erected here.
They believe they will clear the hurdles and begin construction next year.
The display of hubris can’t come as a surprise to those who have monitored Ontario’s perfunctory review process for industrial wind turbine projects. It was, however, a setback for those working to keep these massive machines from the sensitive lands and habitat in South Marysburgh.
Henri Garand heads the Association for the Protection of Prince Edward County, an acitivist group seeking to block wind power development in the County. He objects to what he perceives as a manipulation of government officials.
“The company seems to be trying to tie the hands of a new Premier who might wish to change green energy policy and suspend wind development,” said Garand. “Or, in the event of a suspension, it may be seeking to further a claim for compensation and milk Ontario taxpayers for the cost of a prematurely signed contract.”
He says that the press conference compromises the Ontario government and its regulatory process.
“The implication is that wpd knows the outcome and that further public consultation is irrelevant. This shows contempt for Ontario citizens and undermines trust in government.”
For its part the turbine manufacturer, Repower Systems is promising to build the turbines in Ontario, creating 175 jobs.
“The implication is that wpd knows the outcome and that further public consultation is irrelevant. This shows contempt for Ontario citizens and undermines trust in government.”
Seriously, is it possible that some people still haven’t realized that the entire GEEA, REA & FIT processes were purposely designed to deprive the residents of rural Ontario of the democratic right to local self-determination, while constructing an elaborate and time consuming ‘consultation’ process designed to give people the impression that they were being considered. There are no substantive requirements for the developers or the Ministries to pay any attention whatsoever, other than to adhere to a schedule which can be rubber-stamped though it makes a sham of environmental protection and a farce of justice and mockery of rural residents..
Surely it is only those who reside within the urban bubble clinging to green delusions who have any trust in government.