Wind developer limits discussion at public meeting

On the eve of its second last public meeting in the South Branch area, near Winchester Ontario, Germany-based wind power developer Prowind announced by e-mail that "priority" would be given to questions submitted in writing in advance. The meeting is part of the Renewable Energy Application process for a 30 MW wind power generation project, 40 minutes south of Ottawa.

Prowind representative Rochelle Rumney sent out an email dated January 9 at 6 p.m., making the request, and asking for questions to be sent in to the developer by noon, today, giving people just 18 hours to respond. Questions will be accepted at the public meeting provided they are in writing, Rumney said in her email.

Prowind also announced that the meeting would be moderated by consultant Randi Rahamin of the Bridgepoint Group, a company that has worked for a number of wind developers such as Stantec in the past. Also on the program is a presentation by Loren Knopper of the Intrinsink consulting group. He is co-author of a recent literature review called "Health effects and wind turbines: a review of the literature." Dr. Knopper and co-author Christopher Ollson have worked with wind developers in the past, including Stantec.

"The fact they could take this step at literally the eleventh hour to take control of the question and answer portion of this meeting speaks volumes," says Wind Concerns Ontario president Jane Wilson. "In a few short months this community has mobilized and held very successful well-attended meetings through the South Branch Wind Opposition Group. This community has plenty of questions--they are hoping Prowind will listen and answer fully."

The meeting will be held January 10th at Matilda Hall in Dixon's Corners with an Open House at 6 p.m., and the Q&A at 7 p.m. Another meeting follows January 11th in Spencerville.