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Committee of Kincardine council to meet with Armow Wind Farm developers By Liz Dadson |
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A four-member committee of Kincardine council will sit down with the developers of the proposed Armow Wind Farm and discuss concerns the municipality has with the project. In committee-of-the-whole Wednesday night (Dec. 14), deputy mayor Anne Eadie asked for a discussion about the municipality's wind generation systems policy and how it pertains to the Armow development. Her major concerns are the project's infringement on the Kincardine Airport and on areas of future growth in the municipality. "I would hope that Samsung (and Pattern) would respect our airport vicinity and zone mapping," said Eadie, "and we need that guarantee in writing." She said a meeting between the developers and a committee of council would allow the municipality to explain why it has set up buffer areas around urban centres to protect them for future growth - 20-40 years into the future. "It would be beneficial to have a committee of three councillors, appropriate staff, and knowledgeable people from the community, as needed," she said, "such as the airport manager and those concerned about the airport." "We have a policy in place with
setbacks and there are reasons for this," said councillor Randy Roppel.
"If Samsung followed those, they would be able to put up five turbines,
so put up five. We stand by our policy and they can work within it." "Samsung has indicated it is willing to work with a working group so we should go forward with that if Samsung agrees," said councillor Maureen Couture. "My only issue," said councillor Jacqueline Faubert, "is how will the people on this working group know they have the right direction from council?" "Our wind policy is the starting point," said Eadie. "It's much like when I was on the accommodation review committee. I came back a couple of times to ensure I had council's direction and support for those meetings." "If we're going to have a dialogue, and if it's going to be meaningful, there's going to have to be compromise," said Faubert. "I'm not sure there's enough compromise around this table to do much." She suggested council put forward a motion for a moratorium on wind developments until all of these issue are sorted out. "We have no authority to enforce that," said mayor Larry Kraemer. "If we dig in our heels, what we have is indefensible and can be challenged. We all know our policy is not consistent with provincial policy (Green Energy Act). Any discussions with the developer have to include some flexibility." Couture said the most important thing is to protect the airport and the buffer zones around the urban centres, and Samsung is prepared to discuss that. "When did the province ever challenge setbacks as outlined in municipal policy?" asked Roppel. "What are we afraid of?" Kraemer said Saugeen Shores butted heads with the CAW over its wind turbine and lost. The CAW prevailed. And there are other instances, he said.
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"I think we're suffering from windmill fatigue," said Eadie. "We need to protect the assets of the community. We have a policy that we spent time and effort on with our staff. Now, we have to open a dialogue with the wind developers regarding that policy." She added that her pet peeve is that all lines carrying unfiltered electricity to the substation, be buried, to mitigate the risks associated with that issue. Couture said many of the concerns can be deal with under the development agreement which is negotiated between the developers and municipal staff. "The setbacks in our policy are guidelines, we cannot enforce them," she said. "We are getting too involved in private business. I don't think we should continue to spin our wheels about something we have no control over." Councillor Candy Hewitt said the intent of the municipality's wind policy was to help mitigate any concerns, not put up a cement wall against developers. "Shutting down any conversation with these developers is foolish," she said. "Open discussion will bring understanding - not just for us but so they can understand our concerns." Kraemer said council must enter into this discussion in good faith, otherwise, there is no point in having the discussion. "I agree," said Couture. "We knew when we put together that wind policy that any companies coming to Kincardine would not have to meet those guidelines." Council agreed to have a four-member committee meet with Samsung and Pattern and discuss the issues. On the committee are Eadie, Faubert, Hewitt and Couture. Jody Law, speaking on behalf of the Armow Wind Farm, said he looks forward to meeting with the councillors and continuing to collaborate with the community. "We appreciate the opportunity for dialogue," he said. Scrolling stops when you move your mouse inside the scroll area. You can click on the ads for more
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