SWOX council asked to be “unwilling host” for proposed wind energy projects,

Debbie Kasman, Tillsonburg Post Correspondent

In a staff report made to South West Oxford (SWOX) Council on June 3, township staff “strongly recommend” council refuse the request to be an “unwilling host” for any proposed wind energy projects.

Staff are concerned that adopting a blanket “unwilling host” position at this stage could limit council’s ability to evaluate each proposal independently and on its own merits.

The staff report suggests wind energy projects can differ significantly in design, location, scale, and the potential benefits or impacts they may offer. The report also states that a one-size-fits-all approach may limit the township’s flexibility to consider important factors such as environmental impact, agricultural compatibility, economic benefit and alignment with broader county and municipal energy and climate goals.

Clerk Julie Middleton also shared that the township has received written comments via email from 75 individuals in the community.

The staff report was completed in response to council’s request for a summary of community concerns related to proposed wind energy developments received to date and staff’s research on those issues.

SWOX Township is currently the potential host of two proposed wind energy projects – Cedar Flats and Bower Hill Wind Farm. Both are in the early stages of proposed development. These potential projects are being brought forward by two separate companies: Prowind Canada Inc., proposing the Bower Hill Wind Farm and wpd Canada Corporation, proposing the Cedar Flats Wind Project.

The Bower Hill Wind Farm project would consist of six wind turbines with a total capacity of 36 megawatts, located near Highway 401 and Hydro One distribution circuits. The Cedar Flats Wind Project could see up to 34 turbines from Verschoyle south to almost Corinth and then west past Highway 73 with turbines reaching 200 metres or 656 feet tall.

Information sessions were held by Prowind about the Bower Hill project on April 15 and on May 24. Open house events were also held at the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm on April 30, and May 14, allowing residents to meet the project team and to see turbines in operation. These sessions were attended by community members both in support of and opposed to the project, as well as by elected council members from Oxford County.

Wpd held information sessions for the community on April 29 in Malahide Township and on April 30 in Brownsville. Wpd is planning more community sessions in the future.

An opposition group called ‘South West Oxford and Malahide say no to wind turbines’ presented their concerns to a large crowd in Beachville on June 4th. The same group also held an opposition meeting to a crowd with standing-room only on May 7th in Brownsville.

A summary of concerns from the community, which were shared with SWOX councillors in the June 3 staff report, include the fear of property values going down, the loss of good farmland, changing the look and feel of the countryside, improper disposal after decommissioning, waste that won’t be cleaned up or recycled, wildlife could be harmed, light flicker, low vibrations, headaches and dizziness, changes to the environment, blades throwing ice, well water safety, the profits going to other countries, and pitting neighbours against each other.

The report revealed that one of the recurring requests from members of the public has been for council to pass a resolution declaring the township an “unwilling host” for wind energy projects.

The report strongly recommends council retain the ability to assess each proposal on a case-by-case basis, informed by community consultation, technical review, and the full range of information presented – both in support of and in opposition to each individual project.

The report also states this approach will ensure that decisions are thoughtful, balanced, and made in the best interests of the community as a whole.

Township staff acknowledge and understand the concerns being expressed by the community, but say it is important to recognize the potential benefits associated with wind energy development, which include a more diversified and resilient energy supply, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, support of provincial, county and municipal goals related to climate change and clean energy transition, a lower-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, local economic benefits through land lease payments to property owners, and community benefit agreement and funds for local projects and priorities as well as job creation during construction and maintenance phases.

Oxford County staff, who also spoke at the June 3 council meeting in SWOX, shared that some high level questions need to be answered before moving forward such as how would these potential projects affect farming technology, GPS, and other compatibility issues from a construction perspective, saying these questions are not unreasonable. Oxford County staff also admitted things are currently fluid with the province and more information is required.

At this current time, both the Cedar Flats and Bower Hill projects remain proposals only and have not received any form of municipal approval. Neither Prowind nor wpd have reached the stage of submitting a formal request to either SWOX or Malahide Township for a Municipal Support Resolution, which is a key component of the competitive procurement process under Ontario’s energy framework.

The ‘South West Oxford and Malahide say no to wind turbines’ group will be delegating at an upcoming council meeting on June 17th at 6:30 p.m. at the Mount Elgin Community Centre at 333204 Plank Line. The community group is asking concerned citizens to show up at the meeting to express their concerns.

Malahide Council declared Malahide Township an “unwilling host” in a unanimous vote on June 5.

Staff in SWOX Township said it is important to note that passing a resolution declaring a township an “unwilling host” does not legally prevent a wind energy proponent from approaching council with a formal request for municipal support. An “unwilling host” resolution is not binding and does not preclude the township from receiving or considering future proposals. Under the Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO’s) current procurement processes, what matters is whether a Municipal Support Resolution (MSR) is passed.

According to Wind Concerns Ontario, 159 municipalities have passed formal resolutions declaring themselves to be “unwilling hosts” to new industrial wind power sites.

In October, Zorra Township unanimously said no to any new wind turbine projects until the province revises its policy and gives municipalities more information about their impacts. The motion said it was halting approval until the Energy Ministry and the Independent Electricity System Operator, which co-ordinates Ontario’s power system, change the procurement process to better inform municipalities about agricultural, health, environmental and other impacts.

Norwich Township also declared itself an unwilling host in 2013, but the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm was constructed anyway. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, now the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, granted final approval for that project, in spite of opposition by Norwich Township and community residents.