Wind turbines approved for eastern Ontario despite objections

NorthStormontMayor Dennis Fife loves theview of the fields and trees behind his home in the hamlet of Berwick, Ont., about 60 kilometres southeast of Ottawa.

But that view is about to change now thatOntario's Ministry of Energy hasapproved fivelarge wind turbine projects, including one for 30to 40 turbines near Berwickand another in St-Isidore, a few kilometres away.

'Non-willing host'

Fife says last summer, afterhundreds of local residents turned outto show their oppositionto the turbines at public consultations, councilvoted to proclaim their municipalitya "non-willing host".

"I thought the province would listen to the will of the people, but it didn't happen that way," Fife said.

I thought the province would listen to the will of the people, but it didn't happen that way.- Dennis Fife, mayor of North Stormont

Energy Minister Bob Chiarellisayswind turbines are an important part of the province's drive to reduce its carbon footprint and develop sustainable, low cost, renewable energy.

He says that municipalities were never given a veto over electrical infrastructure requirements,whetherthose were transmissiontowers, solar panels or wind turbines.

Of the five approved wind turbine projects, only two had the endorsementof their municipal councils.

Public consultation to continue

Companies that bid on the projectswere required to consult with the public early in the bidding process, and according tothe successful bidder on theSt-Isidore site, will continue to consult now that itsproject has been approved.

"Where specific things can be accommodated, and concerns can be addressed, we will address those," saidBart Geleynse, asenior managerwithRenewable Energy Systems.

The turbine projectsapproved this weekwill be built over the next three to four years, and will continue to operate for at least 20 years.