CALEWT Steering Committee response to Government of Ontario Announcements, June 25, 2010

TO:         CALEWT Members

FROM:  CALEWT Steering Committee

DATE:    June 26, 2010

RE:          Friday, June 25^th Ontario Government Announcements &

Press Releases regarding Off-Shore Wind Turbines

Below, please find two announcements:
                1.            Ontario Ministry of Environment Re:  Rules Proposed for Off-Shore Wind Turbines

                2.            M.P.P.’s Bruce Crozier and Pat Hoy’s Press Release

The CALEWT  Steering Committee are pleased  with both these announcements and view this a significant and positive FIRST STEP  Obviously, all the hard work of the CALEWT Steering Committee, our Experts , local Municipal Governments  and our general CALEWT membership have played a very significant  role in getting this first step accomplished.  We thank all for your support.  We ARE making progress!!

However, our job is not done!  Please note that this is only a proposal by the Provincial Government.  The proposed regulation has been posted on the Environmental Registry for 60 days for comment from the general public and industry.  We anticipate significant push-back from the wind turbine Industry.

ACTION:  The CALEWT Steering Committee has developed an Action Plan to not only ensure that the proposal becomes permanent, but also attempt to get the entire area of Pigeon Bay protected from wind turbines.  We will share this plan with all of you at our next general CALEWT meeting.

The Steering Committee feels strongly that the entire Pigeon Bay area must be protected due to the following:

1. This is a major Migratory Bird Path and it is essential to keep this fly-way open to the migrating birds, butterflies and bats.
2. Our Commercial Fishing Industry relies heavily on this area for their livelihood and therefore must be protected.
3. The Commercial lake freighter channels, as well as the Jiimaan and the Pelee Islander, use these lanes for commercial travel.  In addition, pleasure boating and sport fishing are major factors which need to be considered in our area.

We ask that you go to the Provinces Environmental Registry – www.ebr.gov.on.ca  .  The Registry # is 011-0089.  Go to the “Discussion Paper” for details and then register your concerns under comments.  Please send a copy to CALEWT@gmail.com for our records. 

Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

Yours truly,

Jim Krushelniski

Chairman, CALEWT Steering Committee