NO OFFSHORE TURBINES WITHIN 5KM AS

 PROVINCE SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT 

 

For June 25, 2010

 

LEAMINGTON—Local MPPs Pat Hoy and Bruce Crozier said they’re pleased with new rules banning turbines within 5 km of shore, as the Province announced a complete review of where, when and how the government makes Crown land available for off-shore wind projects.

 

“I encourage the public to make their views known. While we’re starting at the 5 km setback limit, we’re also looking at factors like ecological sensitivity, commercial fisheries and transportations routes, which could further restrict development in this area,” said Hoy, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Essex.  “‪Until these rules are final, I will continue to work to ensure that no offshore projects go forward in our community. Today’s announcement is a sign the government is moving in the right direction.”

 

“Today’s announcement is a clear sign that the government has been listening to the concerns of our residents,” said Bruce Crozier, MPP for Essex. “A 5 km setback eliminates any projects that close to shore, including all of the projects currently being proposed for Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair in and around my riding.  I join Pat in saying that, until these rules are final, I will continue to work to ensure that no offshore projects go forward in our community.”

 

The Ministry of Environment’s proposal, which includes the minimum 5 km shoreline exclusion zone to protect the environment, is posted on the Environmental Registry for public comment for 60 days, ending August 24, 2010.  (www.ebr.gov.on.ca ).

 

MNR based the proposed 5km minimum shoreline exclusion zone on safety requirements for drinking water quality, and protection of ecologically sensitive shoreline areas. The shoreline exclusion zone is comparable with those proposed by U.S. states that border the Great Lakes.

 

In addition, the Ministry of Natural Resources is also undertaking a review of Ontario’s process for making Crown land available for off-shore wind projects. The review will include consideration of where, when and how the government makes Crown land available for off-shore wind projects, and may result in additional areas being restricted from future development. No applications for use of offshore land will be considered until the review is complete.

 

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For more information:

Mike Ferguson                                                                                              Darcie Renaud

Office of Pat Hoy, MPP                                                                   Office of Bruce Crozier, MPP

(519) 351-0510                                                                                                      (519) 776-6420