Miniature wind turbines will eventually become part of the urban landscape and should be allowed in a residential Ottawa area under strict conditions, an Ontario Municipal Board hearing was told Thursday.

OMB hearing told devices should be allowed, but with conditions

Miniature wind turbines will eventually become part of the urban landscape and should be allowed in a residential Ottawa area under strict conditions, an Ontario Municipal Board hearing was told Thursday.

Lawyer Joshua Moon, representing renewable energy entrepreneur Graham Findlay, told the hearing into a proposed wind turbine at Findlay's backyard in the Island Park area that his client will agree to several conditions if the turbine is allowed. They include:

1. having a structural engineer inspect the structure;
2. testing the machine for noise;
3. having it hooked up by an electrician; and
4. agreeing to only operate one turbine model, the Energy Ball V100, at the site.

The city's committee of adjustment refused to allow the wind turbine, which violates the city's zoning bylaws because at 10-metres tall it is twice the height permitted and the proposed location is not properly set back from neighbours' properties.

Findlay appealed that decision to the municipal board.

Neighbours opposing the turbine argued Thursday that the structure would be intrusive because it would be within inches of their properties. They have expressed concerns about the structure, and ice from it, possibly falling on their properties. They also say it is visually inappropriate for the residential neighbourhood.

In closing arguments Thursday evening, neighbour John Earl said that safety concerns about the machine could be allayed if it were to be placed well back from the property line.

"We support green energy. We think it's a great thing," said Earl.

Findlay wants to use the turbine as a modest generator to complement the power contribution of his solar panels and reduce the "energy footprint" of his house. He would occasionally sell small amounts of power to the provincial grid.

Findlay said such turbines "are popping up across the country," but the machine he wants to place at his house at 70 Iona St. is the smallest in existence. Under cross-examination, he also acknowledged that the small turbines may be a business opportunity in the future.

The vice-chair of the municipal board presiding at the hearing, Jyoti Zuidema, questioned Findlay about the placement of the machine, so far from his own house.

"Why should the test case be on the backs of your neighbours?" said Zuidema, noting that zoning rules on setbacks "are there for a reason."

Findlay replied that the spot at the back of his lot was for optimal operation of the turbine and so that he could use his property.

Moon said the turbine would be comparable to a flagpole in terms of its noise and appearance. He pointed out that one of the major policies of the Ontario government is to encourage renewable energy projects.

Moon said turbines will eventually be as common a sight as utility poles in Ontario but there has to be a first one in a residential neighbourhood.

One of the biggest hurdles facing renewable energy projects in Eastern Ontario has been resistance from neighbouring property owners.

Zuidema reserved her decision in the case, noting "This is an important issue."

Web link: http://www.canada.com/Technology/Wind+turbines+par...