Huron-Kinloss council

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Huron-Kinloss council has refused to change its wind energy policies, despite a petition presented last week, bearing 109 signatures supporting responsible development of renewable energy projects.

Jutta Splettstoesser told council at its general committee meeting May 2, that there is strong support for wind energy.

She said it's basically the same 10 people who come out to council meetings, tearfully presenting their anti-wind turbines speeches. Meanwhile, there are surveys and studies that counter everything being said by the anti-wind activists.

"I ask you, how many times do we have to spend money, time and effort to get the very same answers," she said. "As a Kincardine and Huron-Kinloss taxpayer and resident, I believe that to be very unfair."

She said wind turbines are relatively new to this area but are popular in Europe where they have been around for 40 years. "Wind energy is the fastest-growing source of new electricity generation in the world today."

Splettstoesser said that the references by anti-wind activists to people being driven out of their homes due to health problems caused by wind turbines is "hogwash."

"You look at what they have said and think about it logically, and you will definitely come to the same conclusion as I have," she said.  "It defies all logic, what they say. It would be completely impossible to have so many turbines around the world and so few problems."

She said the World Health Organization studies have not linked adverse health issues with wind turbines, and neither has the Ontario Ministry of Health, the Grey-Bruce Health Unit, the Chatham-Kent Health Unit, or the Province of Quebec Health Unit.

"I suggest you consider the rights of landowners to do what they wish on their own properties," she said. "Does this council wish to take away our property rights?"

Using a map, she noted that the 1,000-metre setback is far too restrictive and would mean no more wind energy development in this community.

Several anti-wind activists in the audience clapped, and mayor Mitch Twolan told them to refrain from commenting or clapping.

"These setbacks are not about protecting the community, they are about forbidding wind development in this area," said Splettstoesser. "What do you base your decisions on? Word of mouth, anecdotes, stories? Leadership is not always about doing what a loud vocal minority demands. Leadership should reflect what is best for all. Diversification is a win for all."

She said wind turbines create economic benefits for farmers and communities, jobs for skilled workers, and taxation for municipalities. "The Green Energy Act sets regulations for the development of wind energy projects that are among  the toughest in the world."

Presenting a petition signed by 109 people, collected over the past two weeks, Splettstoesser said they support responsible development of renewable energy projects (wind, solar, biomass, etc.) and encourage the local municipal government to work collaboratively and consultatively with local landowners and developers.

"These people support wind energy because they believe it is a win-win for farmers, landowners, the municipalities and everyone who lives in this community," she said. "Ontario needs many sources of power for a reliable and affordable electricity system."

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Sunday, May 08, 2011