This news from Prince Edward County, where the Mayor has been very vocal protesting the approval of wpd Canada’s White Pines project, which will endanger birds and other wildlife, and affect the County’s tourism base. The approval came while the appeal of a power project at Ostrander Point is ongoing. Both that area, and the South Shore included in the White Pines project, are designated Important Bird Areas for migratory birds. Two weeks ago, an at-risk species specialist with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry testified that he had recommended against giving a permit for the Ostrander Point project.
CountyLive, September 15, 2015
The provincial environment minister has reneged on a promise to meet with Prince Edward County Mayor Robert Quaiff – at least until the current Environmental Review Tribunal has concluded.
Speaking in person with Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), at Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference in August, “he gave his word we would meet within a couple of weeks,” said Quaiff. “His assistant Neville contacted my office and asked what specific questions I would ask at the arranged meeting so he could have the proper departments there in the room.”
In the letter, Murray stated that since the matter of the renewable energy approval for the White Pines industrial wind turbine project is before the ERT, “it would not be appropriate for me to comment on, or discuss this matter. I would, however, be pleased to meet with you after the Environmental Review Tribunal process has concluded to discuss my ministry’s work going forward.”
Quaiff wanted to discuss the Green Energy Act and how the County is already doing its part.
In his conversation at the AMO, Quaiff told Murray that “Prince Edward County has done its part on providing a net negative, which means that when the sun shines in PEC we produce more power than what we consume.”
Quaiff indicates he’s frustrated but will continue to persevere – as will the 89 communities that are now listed as unwilling hosts for wind turbines. (See below)
The ERT regarding Gilead Power’s nine turbines on Crown Land at Ostrander Point continues Sept. 23-25 in Demorestville. The ERT for the wpd White Pines 27-turbine project on private property in South Marysburgh and Athol and south shore, has been delayed to Nov. 2 in Wellington.