AMHERSTBURG - Town council has given administration the go-ahead to proceed with the Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and Zoning Bylaw Amendment (ZBA) in relation to the wind farm proposed by genGrowth.

However, they noted it is merely a starting point for discussion with more input and details to come.

Bob DRagicevic, senior principal with Walker, Nott, Dragicevic Associates Ltd., appeared at Monday night's town council meeting regarding genGrowth's proposal for a five turbine wind farm along Concession 6 South near South Side Road in the former Malden Township.

"This is an application filed by genGrowth for the South Side Wind Farm," he told town council. He said genGrowth is backed by a "wide range" of specialized consultants and that they "meet and exceed" requirements set out in the Planning Act.

Dragicevic told council noise requirements meet Ministry of Environment requirements and that a Holding Provision would be put on the lands in order to "leave it in the hands of council."

Manager of Development Services Jackie Hubbs said the proponents have submitted an OPA and ZBA for the alternative energy project.

"The applicants have been undergoing a rigorous public Environmental Assessment (EA) process that was initiated in 2006 with extensive studies and resultant reports. The EA process was completed with the Notice of Completion issued in May 2009. There were requests for elevation of the EA process by a number of concerned citizens and these are presently being considered by the Ministry of the Environment," Hubbs report stated.

Hubbs' report notes that "the proponents have agreed that, should the applications proceed and be considered acceptable to Council a Holding provision (H) will be applied under the Zoning By-law Amendment and the ‘Site Development' application and process will be initiated. Through the site development agreement, and prior to the lifting of the Holding (H) provision, further site detailed information will be provided: Storm Water Management study; a Decommissioning Report; a site Management Plan; site details and resultant site development agreement."

The deeming of a complete application is not to be considered council's time to grant ascension to the request for the proposed wind farm, Hubbs pointed out, but rather council is simply beginning the review process as defined under the Planning Act and determining that there is sufficient information to begin the review of the request.

"In my professional opinion, the applicants have satisfied the requirements of Official Plan No. 1 to the County of Essex Official Plan for supporting documentation required for a request to allow for an alternative energy project," stated Hubbs. "The requested Official Plan Amendment application and Zoning By-law Amendment applications be deemed complete in order to begin the review and public consultation of the applications."

Hubbs told town council Monday night that "at this point, we are at the beginning of the process. They are at the starting gate. Tonight is a determination of they should begin.

Councillor Rick Fryer said he had reservations adding that "once you open the gate, you are going to have to continue the race." Fryer said his reservations are about the area it is in.

"I think wind generation is needed but needed in certain areas," said Fryer.

Fryer said there he has questions over whether the project is sustainable without government funding and whether medical studies were part of the documents submitted to the town.

"It seems Bill 150 has allowed them to proceed more quickly than municipalities are ready to have a handle on," said Fryer.

Councillor Bob Pillon, who has been vocal at previous meetings about health risks, was at least willing to explore the matter further.

"Now they are in a position where council needs answers," said Pillon. "I have many questions, trust me."

However, Pillon added "we can't just say no" to the proposed wind farm either.

"This is a hot potato. Make no mistake about this," said Mayor Wayne Hurst, saying no decision was being made Monday night.