Wind turbine project planned for area

This map from a council presentation on the proposed Cedar Flats Wind Project shows the possible area where turbines may be located. (Image: wpd Canada)

By Jeff Helsdon

LJI Reporter

A proposed wind project could see up to 22 Megawatts of power produced in an installation in the early planning stages to the west and south of Tillsonburg.

Developer wpd Canada held two open houses this week—on Tuesday and Wednesday—to inform the public about its 200-megawatt proposal, the Cedar Flats Wind Project. The proposed area for the turbines would stretch from Verschoyle south to almost Corinth and then west past Highway 73.

wpd Canada has completed four wind installations, all below 10.25 Megawatts. Turbines in the existing developments appear to be two-megawatt models. Cedar Flats could have up to 34 turbines, but this is a preliminary estimate subject to environmental assessments, technical studies, and community input. Contracts with landowners are also needed.

“This period of consultation is critical,” said Dilan Unutkan of wpd Canada. “We are committed to listening carefully to residents, landowners, and municipal leaders to ensure that local perspectives directly shape the project's design. Further public engagement sessions will be planned and community feedback will continue to guide how we move forward.”

Community resistance to the proposal is already growing, with meetings May 7 in the Brownsville Community Centre and May 8 in Malahide Community Place in Springfield. Both meetings start at 7 p.m. and will have petitions against the development. Lawn signs opposing the development are also available.

According to the company’s presentation to South-West Oxford and Malahide councils, an agricultural impact assessment will start this month and more information will be presented to the councils in the third quarter of this year. The presentation also listed the benefits of the development as: a community benefit fund, tax revenue, local contracting opportunities, employment at the finished development and spending at local businesses.

The project will require municipal approval before it is considered by the province’s Independent Electricity System Operator. Then, zone changes and site plan approval would be needed for the sites.

Asked about the proposal, SWOX Mayor David Mayberry answered, “The vague proposal presented to council did not identify any specific properties nor any definite numbers. The proponents must first secure lease agreements which are confidential and are not required to be made public.”

He explained that the process would leave the decision of whether a community wants wind turbines up to the local council. “Under the new rules, while the province makes it clear that wind turbines are an acceptable option, they have left the final decision to local councils.

While Mayberry hasn’t heard much feedback from the community about the development, Malahide Mayor Dominique Giguere has.

“Predominant themes include environmental concerns, potential impacts on wildlife, issues with the proposed location, future decommissioning of the turbines, the industrialization of the countryside, noise and visual aesthetics, impacts on property values, and potential health concerns for nearby residents,” she said. “Additionally, some residents have explicitly requested that Council oppose the project outright. Our municipality strongly believes that residents have a right to be informed, heard, and meaningfully involved in decisions that affect their properties, health, and overall quality of life.”

Giguere said renewable energy development can present challenges and opportunities. While she said wind energy supports the province’s energy and climate goals, it has to align with local values.

“Council remains committed to an open and evidence-based decision-making process,” she said. “All relevant facts, including community input and expert analyses, will guide the municipality’s final stance.”

For more information, contact wpd Canada at cedarflatswind@wpd-canada.ca