Grand Bend packs the hall for wind turbine meeting

More than 300 people gathered in Grand Bend to learn more about impending industrial wind projects planned for the area.

Known for its 30 miles of beaches and excellent swimming, Grand Bend is part of Ontario's scenic West Coast, bordering on Lake Huron.

Unfortunately, the McGuinty government sees the bucolic landscape as a resource plantation, ripe for exploitation by wind developers.

Speakers for the event, organized by the Middlesex-Lambton Wind Action Group, included Dr Scott Petrie of Long Point Waterfowl, local Realtor Paul Pedlar, and farmer and electricity expert Dave Colling.
Dr Petrie spoke on the environmental effects of the turbine projects (see also WCO Exclusive: Scientist, university prof: “some of the worst possible places for wind projects”).

Dave Colling talked about the effects of stray electricity on residents. He noted that women tend to feel the effects from wind turbines before men, but the men eventually do, too. Paul Pedlar reviewed the results of studies done by other Realtors and real estate appraisers on property values: the conclusion is that values can decline.

A surprise guest was Lisa Michaud and family from Thamesville Ontario who spoke about the family's experience with the Kent Breeze project, which is now the subject of legal action.

Many in the audience were shocked that the Ontario government was not merely allowing this to happen to residents, but is actually actively promoting wind turbine projects.

Donations were raised for the Middlesex-Lambton group's Environmental Review Tribunal action against the Zephy Wind Farm. (See PayPal button at right to contribute.)

Report by Grace Howell, London, Ontario