Opinions
Zoning violations - big or small - tend to get people upset. And the fact remains that, at 10 metres tall, Findlay's turbine would be twice the height permitted for city backyards, not to mention the feeling among some neighbours that the structure is too close to their homes. Hence the city's committee of adjustment rejected Findlay's proposal to harness wind power right on his own property.
Yet this outcome is less than satisfying, because what Findlay is trying to do - live a green and socially responsible lifestyle - is, in principle, a noble thing, even one that others should try to emulate. So what to do?
Findlay has taken the obvious approach and appealed the city's decision to the Ontario Municipal Board. This makes sense.
New technologies, including solar and wind power (both of which Findlay wants to use to power his house) are part of the solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In order to encourage their use - through large-scale projects such as wind farms as well as smaller projects such as solar panels and turbines - they must be accepted by the public.
The OMB process will be useful if it helps both Findlay and the city to hammer out an approach that works. No one is suggesting that green initiatives should be given a free pass around zoning rules. Poorly executed projects could create a public backlash, which would be self-defeating because it would slow acceptance of alternative energy sources.
It's fair to ask about safety, noise and esthetics, but even in the case of backyard turbines, it's hard to believe that these are insurmountable obstacles.
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