The residents of North Gower who crowded into a small community hall to hear about the wind farm proposed for their backyard know the time for green power has come, but that didn't stop worries about the impact of giant turbines on their health and property values. ...Many of the 300 who filed through the three-hour information session supported the idea of moving to more renewable fuels, but questioned how the sight and sound of the turbines would affect them and drive down the value of their properties.

The residents of North Gower who crowded into a small community hall to hear about the wind farm proposed for their backyard know the time for green power has come, but that didn't stop worries about the impact of giant turbines on their health and property values.

The owners of Kemptville-based Prowind Canada held the open house to explain their plans for the construction of 10 turbines on an area farm that would produce 20 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 6,000 homes. It's one of more than 15 projects Prowind is developing in Canada and the U.S.

Many of the 300 who filed through the three-hour information session supported the idea of moving to more renewable fuels, but questioned how the sight and sound of the turbines would affect them and drive down the value of their properties.

"I'm all for it. We need this," said Tim O'Connor who lives several kilometres from the proposed farm. "There are no other solutions. We can't keep burning fossil fuels and we can't keep saying ‘no, no.' We are running out of oil and something has to be done."

But not everyone was as gung-ho. The strongest opponents are those who live closest to the proposed site and they cited concerns ranging from the noise, "unsightly look of the turbines"; "the flicker" or strobe-light effect of the sun behind the turbine blades; the impact on the table and the possible health affects of the" infrasound and low frequency noise."

They point to a study that suggests low frequency sounds, too low for humans to hear, may cause epilepsy, depression, kidney disease and other disorders known as "vibroacoustic disease" - a study the wind industry strongly refutes.

"I don't mind the look of them, but I am across the road and we have health concerns. We're concerned about the low frequency noise," said Gary Thomas.

Those opposed want larger setbacks than the 400 metres required by the Ontario government between the 120-metre high turbine towers and the nearest dwelling.

Gary Chandler, who lives near the site, is calling for a moratorium on the project until there have been further studies on the health impacts, the safest setbacks and other environmental impacts.

Prowind vice-president Luke Geleynse said the firm is proposing a 500-metre setback and will allow even more space between homes and turbines if the noise exceeds 40 decibels. The big problem with larger setbacks is that the proposed site wouldn't be feasible.

He said he understands people's concerns because wind farms are new to Eastern Ontario, but the technology is safe, clean and proven with more than 75,000 installed around the world. He said he felt many of the residents worries could be resolved as they learn more about the technology and the way the farm will be laid out.

Mr. Geleynse said the biggest concern neighbours have raised with him is whether the turbines will reduce their property values. He said studies of similar projects in Europe and North America show property near wind farms actually increased in value.

Councillor Glenn Brooks said the people are thinking twice about the project, which was originally proposed more than a year ago when the economy was booming and gas was selling for about $1.40. He said people are cautious because the technology is new to them and "they don't want it in their backyards."

Web link: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Residents+fear+impact...