Take Action: a citizens’ guide
At WCO we offer you resources and tools so that you or your municipality can stand against the development of industrial wind turbines in your neighbourhoods.
Why? Top concerns:
- wind power is an erratic, low density power source that in Ontario, is out of phase with demand and not cost-effective. (see Chasing the Wind, by economist Edguardo Sepulveda)
- wind power removes good productive farmland, especially now when we are concerned about food security
- wind turbines are huge industrial structures and have multiple negative environmental impacts including: noise pollution (new turbines are larger and may produce more harmful inaudible sound), risk to wildlife, damage to vulnerable aquifers
- wind power needs a thorough, objective cost-benefit study done for the community. What are the benefits, really? How do they stack up against costs? Has the community considered costs such as road use, extra policing, fire services, etc.? What are the community benefits offered by the power developer exactly—a dollar value is needed and a guarantee.
You have a voice.
We can help you to be heard
Find our tools below.
Stay Informed & Take Your Community Back
*Not a Willing Host
Ontario municipalities that declared themselves an unwilling host to wind power generation projects. See map and list here. Unwilling Host is not part of the IESO process but can be an expression of a community’s views on new power projects.
*Contracts & Projects
Our list of current wind power proposals. Read it here.
*Municipal Resolutions
Ontario municipalities that declared themselves an unwilling host to wind power generation projects. See the resolution from the Twp of Malahide as a suggestion. Every municipality will have its own concerns about industrial wind power.
“WHEREAS the Township of Malahide is committed to safeguarding the health, safety, environment, agricultural integrity, and overall well-being of its residents; and
WHEREAS industrial wind turbine developments may negatively impact:
- Public health, with reports of sleep disturbances, noise-related stress, and other adverse effects;
- Property values, particularly in proximity to turbine installations;
- Agricultural operations, including interference with crop production, livestock behavior, aerial spraying, and productive land use due to setbacks and access roads;
- Water resources, where construction may pose risks to groundwater, aquifers, and private wells;
- Environmental ecosystems, through disruption of wildlife habitats and migratory paths;
AND WHEREAS the procurement of electrical energy is the responsibility of the Province of Ontario;
AND WHEREAS the current Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) procurement process requires a Municipal Support Resolution before an application can proceed, yet provides municipalities with limited information about the full impacts of proposed energy projects at that stage;
AND WHEREAS municipalities are not resourced with the technical expertise or capacity to responsibly assess long-term impacts on agriculture, health, and the environment prior to issuing a Municipal Support Resolution;
AND WHEREAS while the current process mandates an Agricultural Impact Assessment, it is not required until after a contract is issued — leaving municipalities to make premature decisions without adequate information;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Township of Malahide declares itself an “Unwilling Host” for industrial wind turbine projects under the current provincial procurement framework”
*Find Your Community Group
Organizations in opposition to wind turbine energy: read the list and contact info here.
*Create your community group
If no group exists near you, take the bull by the horns and create your own group of interested citizens to take action! Decide on a name, hold a public meeting where possible, and share information on proposed project(s) and the potential impacts of industrial-scale wind power.
Many people will be starting from zero in terms of awareness, so please, use our IMPACTS page, here to help.
Can you do a petition? YES. But: a paper petition is the only kind that counts. Check with the Clerk in your municipality to see what format is acceptable to them. If you can work with a supportive councillor, even better. Signatures should have the signer’s full name, address (they must live or own property in the municipality) or postal code at a minimum, and sign ON PAPER. Online petitions may be an indicator of community support but have no legal standing. Keep the petition request short and to the point.
Be sure to let us know, so we can list you and others can find you! We can help with signs, and fact sheets, as needed.
Do NOT approach people who may have signed contracts for wind turbines: they have their reasons, and to approach them after signing may open you to charges of “contractual interference.” Focus on improving awareness of what your community faces.
