In 2006, CALEWT was formed by a group of concerned residents of Essex County in reaction to a proposal to place 119 industrial wind turbines in Pigeon Bay, in the Western Basin of Lake Erie. Our position has always been that a full, non-biased/impartial environmental assessment must be completed before consideration is given to any wind project proposal.

We thought we were successful in convincing the Ontario Government Ministries that this portion of Lake Erie was environmentally too sensitive to proceed without proper due diligence.  As a result, a moratorium was announced in October of 2006.

That moratorium was lifted in 2008, for reasons unknown to us.

Since that time, we have provided Municipal officials, Provincial and Federal Ministers relevant information, as well as experts, all of which warned that these man made structures could have a significant adverse affect on Pigeon Bay.  We accumulated a tremendous amount of scientific evidence, which was provided to the Ontario Ministers of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as various Federal Departments responsible for our region of the Great Lakes.

Our ultimate goal was to have Pigeon Bay designated as an area that would be excluded from consideration for industrial wind development. We believe that independent, non-biased, scientific studies would confirm our view that these structures could have a detrimental effect on water quality, bird migration routes, natural fish habitats, and tourism.

This recent announcement from the Ontario Government seems to indicate that their evaluations have led them to the same conclusion, in that detailed studies must be completed before wind development is allowed on any Ontario fresh water bodies.

We applaud this decision, and hope that this Government, or the others to follow, will live up to this commitment.

CALEWT will be monitoring future developments relating to off shore wind policy, to ensure that our natural water resource is properly protected for future generations to enjoy.

We would like to thank all those involved for their support over the years.  Your views, comments and contributions have made a significant impact in protecting one of our most precious resources – fresh water.

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

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