News
At council's March 20 meeting, Reeve Ben Van Diepenbeek said the township still has not received a response back from Minister Laurel Broten who they met while attending a conference in Toronto in late February. Coun. Doug Miller said it was the minister, herself, who said the ministry would respond to their questions and a report by Dr. Vandenberg,
Coun. Barry Millian said the MOE has qualified people to interpret the report and find out whether the report applies to Huron County. Dr. Vandenberg's report states that noise levels from wind turbines will be higher at night.
"I want people to be clear that I have nothing against having wind turbines in the township," said Millian. "I am not prepared to move ahead with these setbacks unless I hear from the (MOE)."
Van Diepenbeek asked EPCOR employee Dan Hayden why the wind turbines were moving so slowly that evening and some not moving at all. Hayden explained that the turbines, which are manufactured and monitored by Vesta, each have their own wind sensor and will move depending on the wind patterns. He said when there is no wind being generated, the turbines will stop to prevent wear and increase their life span.
Hayden said Vesta made upgrades to the turbines about three weeks ago. However, township resident Harry Kerr said the upgrades have not done anything to help the noise problem. Hayden said there should not be any abnormal sounds coming from the turbines and if there is, he will investigate the problem.
Ernie Marshall, of the Colborne ward, said that since the EPCOR project has been put on hold the environmental screening report should no longer apply and the township should change their setback requirements now. Neil Levine, of EPCOR, said the environmental screening report still applies.
Van Diepenbeek added that the township's setback of 400 metres is a minimum distance requirement and the environmental screening report will determine if the setbacks have to be further.
Amish Community
The Amish community has expressed concerns with zoning in Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Township.
Council received a letter from the Amish community, at their March 20 meeting, regarding how some of the township's zoning bylaws are making it difficult for them to live their lives. The letter stated that with their "different way of life" and "religion and rules", they have found "in recent years, it has been harder and harder to live" with the township's rules.
The Amish stated that it is harder to take down and rebuild century old frame barns and buildings "which we believe, if taken care of, would last another century."
Also, the Amish wrote "it is getting difficult for our young people to start farming with the current price of 100 acre farms. If we could have more 50 acre farm lots, we believe it would encourage more young people to start in the business of farming with a better chance of getting their foot in the door."
Reeve Ben Van Diepenbeek said he understands some of the building codes are changing and some concerns of the Amish community may need to be clarified. He said council will reply with a letter addressing their concerns.
With regards to 50 acre farms, Van Diepenbeek said the lot size does not conform with the official plan. However, he said if a 50 acre farm was part of an original survey, the owner can severe the property or if a farmer owns 150 acres, they can severe 50 acres off.
CT scanner
Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Twp. council is putting a hold on a donation for a CT scanner at the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich.
Coun. Doug Miller suggested at council's March 20 meeting that council should hold off an a resolution for $100,000 towards the CT scanner for Huron County Campaign, until the project has been approved by the Ministry of Health.
Once the CT scanner is approved by the ministry, council will donate $20,000 towards the campaign every year for the next five years.
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