Mono revises draft bylaw on wind power
Orangeville Citizen|Mandi Hargrave|March 31, 2006
Changes suggested during a public meeting in January on Mono's wind generation policy have been made to a draft bylaw and a decision on whether to pass it will likely be made after the town's revised Official Plan is adopted. Most of the changes were to make the wording of the bylaw clearer.
Changes suggested during a public meeting in January on Mono's wind generation policy have been made to a draft bylaw and a decision on whether to pass it will likely be made after the town's revised Official Plan is adopted. Most of the changes were to make the wording of the bylaw clearer.
The only suggestion not included in the revised draft bylaw is one by Terry Williams, who has 15 years' experience building wind turbines.
He said 40 kilowatts (KW) was too much for a personal wind turbine and suggested taking it down to a maximum capacity of 5 KW.
Planning Director Mark Earl wanted direction from council on which figure they think would be more appropriate.
Deputy Mayor Dave Baldwin said whichever number they choose would be arbitrary because they'd be picking it out of the air. He added he would be comfortable with either number, suggesting most people would use 5 to 10 KW for a personal wind turbine.
Councillor Laura Ryan said she is not as comfortable as Mr. Baldwin with five or 40 KW. If a resident can do with five, …
The only suggestion not included in the revised draft bylaw is one by Terry Williams, who has 15 years' experience building wind turbines.
He said 40 kilowatts (KW) was too much for a personal wind turbine and suggested taking it down to a maximum capacity of 5 KW.
Planning Director Mark Earl wanted direction from council on which figure they think would be more appropriate.
Deputy Mayor Dave Baldwin said whichever number they choose would be arbitrary because they'd be picking it out of the air. He added he would be comfortable with either number, suggesting most people would use 5 to 10 KW for a personal wind turbine.
Councillor Laura Ryan said she is not as comfortable as Mr. Baldwin with five or 40 KW. If a resident can do with five, she asked why the maximum capacity should have to go to 40 KW. She also said she doesn't know which number is right.
Councillor Ken McGhee asked Mr. Early if there has been any announcement from the McGuinty government on what amount is acceptable.
Mr. Early responded that he hasn't seen any information and is still waiting for information on building code requirements.
Mayor Keith Thompson said he cannot see going down to a 5-KW limit, but as a compromise he would be willing to go down to 30 KW.
Councillor Brenda Fowler said there must be someone who has the answer on what is appropriate.
Mr. Early said the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides information, such as a check list on developing a budget for a personal wind turbine. He said there are also documents that support 40 KW as a small system for a personal wind turbine.
Mayor Thompson asked Mr. Early to include the difference between five and 40 KW in the final version of the bylaw.