OFA, health study take stand against turbine development; CanWEA ‘disappointed’

The Wellington Advertiser - OFA, health study take stand against turbine development; CanWEA ‘disappointed’:

Opponents of wind turbine proposals here are taking heart over some developments that indicate more pressure against wind power supporters.

Escalating concerns about industrial wind turbines prompted the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) last week to urge the province to suspend further development until farm families and rural residents are assured their interests are adequately protected.

The OFA took its new position on turbines on Jan. 19, and it will be presented to the provincial government later this month.

Opponents of wind turbine proposals here are taking heart over some developments that indicate more pressure against wind power supporters.

Escalating concerns about industrial wind turbines prompted the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) last week to urge the province to suspend further development until farm families and rural residents are assured their interests are adequately protected.

The OFA took its new position on turbines on Jan. 19, and it will be presented to the provincial government later this month.

Meanwhile, to the north of Wellington County, Wind developer WPD Canada and a farm owner who signed a lease to host turbines are being sued.

That claim seeks an injunction and $2 million in damages related to the proposed Fairview Wind Farm in Stayner. “This claim seems unique because the owner of the proposed farm is also being sued” said lawyer Eric Gillespie in a press release.

He warned, “Landowners who decide to allow turbines may need to look carefully at their legal position and potential liability.”

The claim focuses on possible devaluation of property. Plaintiff Sylvia Wiggins and husband John listed their home for sale in 2011. Showings started but they said they ended shortly after the turbine project was publicized. Recent data indicate when a wind company bought out homes near another Ontario project, on resale the company lost almost 35% of their value.

“These kinds of things appear to be happening with wind farms. We decided to do something now” said John Wiggins.

All of which leaves James Virgin, in charge of communications for Oppose Belwood Wind Farms, thinking the tide favouring wind turbines might be blowing back.

“Absolutely. I think people are becoming quite aware ... I think the realities are starting to show.”

He said people are getting more and more information about health effects, a negative economy and a loss of property values from wind turbines.

“We’re seeing more and more dialogue in the newspapers,” he said. “We were very pleased to see the OFA say, ‘Let’s back up. Let’s see what’s going on’.”

Read the full article at the Wellington Advertiser