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Council delays wind farm decisions

Chatham Daily News|Bob Boughner|June 15, 2009
CanadaZoning/Planning

Action on two wind farm proposals was deferred Monday by Chatham-Kent council because of new provincial legislation. The deferral action was recommended by consultant Tom Storey as a result of changes being considered by the province under the Green Energy and Green Economy Act. The council chambers was packed for the council planning session by supporters and opponents of wind farms.


Action on two wind farm proposals was deferred Monday by Chatham-Kent council because of new provincial legislation.

The deferral action was recommended by consultant Tom Storey as a result of changes being considered by the province under the Green Energy and Green Economy Act.

The council chambers was packed for the council planning session by supporters and opponents of wind farms.

The two projects deferred were Invenergy Wind Canada ULC's proposed Raleigh Wind Farm and Renewable Energy Systems Canada Inc's proposed Talbot wind farm.

Storey said another half dozen wind farms being proposed for Chatham-Kent will also be impacted by the new legislation.

Although some councillors suggested forging ahead with current plans, …

... more [truncated due to possible copyright]

Action on two wind farm proposals was deferred Monday by Chatham-Kent council because of new provincial legislation.

The deferral action was recommended by consultant Tom Storey as a result of changes being considered by the province under the Green Energy and Green Economy Act.

The council chambers was packed for the council planning session by supporters and opponents of wind farms.

The two projects deferred were Invenergy Wind Canada ULC's proposed Raleigh Wind Farm and Renewable Energy Systems Canada Inc's proposed Talbot wind farm.

Storey said another half dozen wind farms being proposed for Chatham-Kent will also be impacted by the new legislation.

Although some councillors suggested forging ahead with current plans, Mayor Randy Hope said the municipality should hold off until the new guidelines are announced.

At the same time, he said there is a need for the municipality to speak on the matter with a strong voice.

"We want the province to know that citizens should be heard on this matter,'' he said.

Storey said the Green Energy and Green Economy Act was given Royal Assent on May 14.

He said the Act includes new setback standards from non-participating dwellings of 550 metres.

"Our present zoning standard is 300 metres although we rely on the noise assessment study findings for each individual project which typically result in a minimum of around 450 metres,'' he said.

Storey said new setback standards from lot lines of non-participating landowners and roads which would correspond to the turbine height would be in the 120 to 125 metre range.

"Our present standard for rear, side and local road lot lines is blade length plus 10 metres or in the 50 to 55 metre range,'' he said.

Coun. Karen Herman said the new legislation leaves Chatham-Kent sitting in limbo.

"Many would like to see us move forward,'' she said. "I think we should approve the two recommendations tonight. A lot of people are sick and tired of being put on hold.''

Wallaceburg Coun. Sheldon Parsons also said he would like to see the projects move forward.

West Kent Coun. Brian King said his "gut feeling'' was also to go ahead and let the chips fall where they may.

Storey said he would present a follow-up report in September.


Source:http://www.chathamdailynews.c…

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