The proposed changes will…

The proposed changes will negatively impact my family, my business and me. The Nation Rise Wind project has been highly conditionally approved in the Township of North Stormont to which my property abuts. One of the proposed turbines is just over 600 m from our dairy and heifer barns which house over 200 head of cattle. Our son, his wife, and their 3 young children (under the age of 5) live in the farm house a further 40 m away. Although Ontario setbacks are required to be a minimum of 550m, worldwide this has been proven to be inadequate. Furthermore it has been scientifically proven that like people, young and old, animals experience the same health issues caused by proximity to industrial wind turbines. This project was also approved using the higher noise limits which even the former Liberal government recognized as being dangerous to health. Under ERO 013-4265 this will still be allowed.
This proposal states, “allowing local governments to accommodate renewable energy proposals as willing hosts, where proposals align with local planning objectives.” NOTE: The municipal council of North Stormont voted TWICE to be NON-willing hosts and the project does not align with the local planning objectives.
A major statement in the PC Party campaign was to cancel ALL pre-construction projects. It was a commitment. Their political integrity is now questionable and they risk liability if the proposed changes allow harmful, “grandfathered” clauses to be passed. A moratorium must be placed on all renewable energy projects until such time as wind companies CAN PROVE their projects do not and will not negatively impact humans, animals, water and the environment. A cost analysis should also be done to determine their financial viability WITHOUT government subsidies.
Under the “grandfathering” municipalities would not be able to protect their citizens and any further expansion would not be required to consider updated standards and regulations. To date the MECP does not appear to have the tools, training or protocols in place to measure and assess noise impacts. “Grandfathering” does not allow any form of recourse for the people living in the “existing” projects.
Furthermore, without being informed of this proposed regulation by a member of the community I would have no way of knowing of this posting. This too is wrong and needs to be addressed. I suggest that MPP’s inform their constituents of proposed regulations.