Debate Continues Over Proposed Wind Farm in Clearview Township

Protest Parade Arrived At Stayner Arena Wednesday, July 13th

The debate continues regarding a proposed Wind Farm Project by W.P.D. Canada that would see the construction of eight turbines in the area of County Road 91 and Fairgrounds Road in Clearview Township. Collingwood council has voted to support the regional airport's opposition to the planned project. The Airport Services Board has a problem with the construction of one of the planned turbines that it says is within two kilometres of the airport's main runway. Deputy Mayor Rick Lloyd, himself a pilot, says the turbine would be a hazard to aviation. Lloyd said the turbine would be situated directly in the flight path of planes using the regional airport. He added that this would also be a major problem for medevac helicopters that are sometimes redirected to the airport when weather conditions aren't favourable at the Collingwood hospital. In addition to Collingwood Council's oppostion to the proposed wind farm project, Clearview Township and the Town of Wasaga Beach have also thrown support behind the regional airport's opposition to the placement of wind turbines in close proximity to the main runway. If the construction of a large wind turbine was allowed to move forward within two kilometres of the main runway, the airport would be forced to alter procedures for takeoffs and landings. A protest took place on Wednesday afternoon, July 13th, that included a fly-in and a parade featuring hay wagons, tractors and people walking along County Road 91 from Clearview Nurseries to the public meeting at the Stayner arena where WPD was holding an open house to provide information regarding the proposed wind turbine project. PD Canada President Ian MacRae was interviewed about the proposed project on Georgian Bay Today on 97.7 The Beach. To listen to the interview, click here. If approved, construction of the wind turbines could begin in the fall of 2012. To read more about Ontario's Green Energy Act, click here.

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