Government promises help on water issues, no action on noise pollution
Last week, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne visited Chatham-Kent and was met by protesters with a variety of complaints about her government, including high electricity bills, and the problems with water quality possibly due to vibrations produced by wind turbines in the area.
Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault also met with citizens in Chatham-Kent, and promised that complaints would be dealt with by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC).
This is the same government, indeed the same ministry, that promised to deal with reports of noise and other effects from industrial-scale wind turbines.
In 2009, then Premier Dalton McGuinty said that if there were “real concerns” about environmental issues, then they must be brought to the government and “we must find a way to address those.” (Toronto Star, February 11, 2009)
The fact is, according to the MOECC’s own records, obtained by Wind Concerns Ontario under Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation, the government knew in 2006 there were problems being experienced by people living near wind turbines. During the years 2006-2014, more than 3,100 formal reports were recorded, many of which entailed so many complaints that large “Master” files were created.
The result? NO action in 54% of the files, “planned” action in 31%, and deferred action in 14%. Only one percent of the files got “priority” response.
To this day, compliance audits are not filed, resident reports of noise pollution and health impacts (noted by MOECC staff in 59/100 master files) are not acted on, and instead of listening to and acting on citizen concerns as promised by Premier McGuinty, the MOECC’s “client” is the wind power industry …. not the people of Ontario.
Despite claims by Minister Glen Murray that there few actual reports, and a promise of action on the ones he does have, little substantive action has occurred since the release of our report May 31, and the airing of a Global News investigative report in June.
Moreover, in a clear demonstration of willful blindness, the government persists in granting more contracts and approvals to new wind power projects.
Glasses of black water in Chatham-Kent make it easy to see that there is a problem, but we still see no accountability in this government, or the MOECC.
…
Read the WCO report on wind turbine noise complaints and how the government manages the issues while not responding, here: NoiseResponseReport-FINAL-May9
4 Comments
Stan Thayer
What the McGuinty/Wynne government has done to the people of this province is criminal. The ignorance shown towards the taxpayers concerns is setting a never before seen precedent. Well planned deceit through arms length departments and the media has scared financial brokers to lower the provinces ratings. Corrupt pocket-lining deals seems to be the norm with this government.
Hydro rates and taxes have doubled and even tripled in some areas.
Starving seniors on fixed incomes will be the legacy of the Wynne government.
I wonder what terrible policies they are working on right now!
July 30 2017
Stan Thayer
Richard Mann
Has anyone heard back from the Huron County Health Unit?
An investigation into health impacts of wind turbines was initiated in March 2016. (Ontario’s HPPA, Health Protection and Promotion Act). Since then we have had one delay after another, and still no remedy for those living under turbines.
As of July 4th, 2017, Erica Clark informed me they have heard back from University of Waterloo ethics and are now planning another ethics application to address concerns raised.
Meanwhile I have been told that all communication of the ethics board, including the names an positions of the applicants, is confidential.
Tracy
Stan,
Let’s not forget the 25% of people living too close to wind turbines. It’s a fact: infrasound/low frequency penetrates the body harming tissue and bone. I find most people ate concerned only when it costs them money! True!!!
I suffered a stroke, now live with a brain aneurism. In 2010 I moved out of my home of many years which is now surrounded by 18 industrial wind turbines. It sits empty. I continue to pay a mortgage on it. I currently rent where I stay.
I was a high school teacher-department head, and not allowed back into the classroom because of my pre existing medical condition. What’s that worth in dolars and cents?
I’m thinking ever penny made from these killing machines doubled at the minimum. Developer Mike Crawley, former president of the Federal Liberal party is well aware of the devastation I experience. I recently asked him to purchase my house at a reasonable amount of money. He responded he no linger owned the development and I should be contacting GDF Suez.
Kathleene Wynn, Justin Trudeau and the entire damn bunch should be in jail. Where is JT hanging these days, another weekend getaway in B.C.?
Shame on the people of Ontario who support the Liberals and brought them to power. They will be pay while green energy investors have their $billions stashed away in offshore bank accounts. Millions of tax payers’ dollars will be paid to compensate the victims and/or families harmed by infrasound exposure from industrial wind turbines. I may be dead, my family will continue to persevere until justice is served. The longer this goes on, the higher the claim.
Those of you who are bitching about your expensive hydro bills…cry me a river..like I should care????? I’ve been struggling everyday since these turbines were built at my home in Clear Creek Ontario in 2008.
THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE DO NOT CARE ABOUT OTHERS. To pretend any different is an example of the ignorance and greed prevalent in today’s society.
I’m pretty pissed off at the people of Ontario. I have not much left to lose. Should I blow up the turbines? Should I drive my van onto a crowded street down town Toronto??! Just what should I do, keep it simple and put a bullet to my head???
Yes this is serious business folks. I will not put on a nicey nice facade and pretend all is good so the rest of you can sweep it under the rug and feel better…
Stop belly aching on this site about the cost of your hydro. People in Ontario are suffering and dying because of decisions and actions taken by others…this is bull crap.
I was once told by an environmentalist that “some of us have to give for the benefit of others.” Is that not what Christ did when he died on the cross?
I will not give my life for someone not worthy..that being the greenies of Ontario. Would I end my life to stop this turmoil and get away from the greedy selfish ignorant idiots? That is another question…Don’t worry, I wouldn’t yap off about it.
I’m not crazy, I’m reacting to a crazy unacceptable way of life that has been forced upon me by others.
Tracy
The government has failed us in many ways. It is YOU who brings the Liberal government to power. Will you be as stupid as to vote Liberal come election time?
I invite Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premiere Kathleen Wynn to sit down with me and have a conversation regarding what is going on in Ontario and what they are going to do about it….do I need to go knocking on their doors?