We received word late last evening that Joe Crowley, at-risk species expert with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is to testify at the appeal of the White Pines wind power project in Prince Edward County today.
The hearing is being held at the Essroc Community Centre in Wellington, Ontario.
Mr. Crowley was an expert witness at the Ostrander Point appeal, currently in its fifth phase, and testified that it was his professional recommendation that the danger to the Blandings turtle and other species at the Ostrander site was so great, a permit should not be granted. Mr Crowley has also commented the Blandings turtles range over the South Shore of Prince Edward County, the site of the other proposed wind power project, White Pines by wpd Canada.
The wind power developer denies this, and the endangered turtle was not even on the company’s permit regarding the Endangered Species Act.
At issue in these proceedings, for both appeals, is the fundamentals behind the Ontario government’s approval process for wind power plants. Documents have been withheld, expert advice ignored, and government staff have been shown to play the role of supporting and encouraging the power developments, not protecting the environment or wildlife.
The Ostrander Point appeal is on hiatus but may resume at the end of November; White Pines continues this week.
5 Comments
J.P.
Maybe Torontonians will soon realize it may have been a serious mistake to continue the McGuinty legacy with the Wynne accomplice. There is more to Ontario than Toronto!
jp
Lynda
Crowley was back paddling faster than a cheetah can run and recanted some of the testimony made at Ostranders. He might be an ‘expert’ in herpetology, but in my opinion he doesn’t give a rats @ss about the turtles. It’s all mickey mouse….the problem is with a government that doesn’t give a rat’s @ss about turtles or people.
ScepticalGord
Vic “Rubber Stamp” Schroter, Director of the OMOE, was apparently so worried about his pension that he approved each and every IWT project that landed on his desk. Vic the Dick will no doubt happily retire to the Liberal playground of Muskoka or some other IWT-free zone.
Now we have John “Recant” Crowley, Ostrander Point witness and biologist with an apparent conscience, who has suddenly become an amnesia victim after some OMNR Bigwig whispered sweet nothings in his ear. Johnny, you’re such a little man, especially when you’re on your knees.
What was that again about Kathleen Wynne accusing the Harper Government of muzzling their staff?
ScepticalGord
Speaking of amnesia:
That would of course be Joe Crowley, not John Crowley. Sorry John!
Lynda
Not to worry about a little typo Gord. I’m sure John will forgive you. It’s the frustration of knowing that this is outright deceit that is giving the rest of us brain wynnd and it stinks. Perhaps it’s time for a revolution. All we need a real leader!