Wolfe Island Wind Farm

The June, 2009 wind farm has been controversial. On my book tour we took a trip through Kingston. There is much controversy on this issue. Where does Ontario build wind farms? How much do we allow it to affect property values? Do we value that over installing many smaller generation stations, and resurrect the dams and piss off many people? Yet, the Ontario government has promised to reduce coal-powered hydro plants.

Like Toronto Island, Wolfe Isl. residents are a special group. Some are seasonal, since the ferry is the only means of transportation for most. Then, in winter, when things freeze over, the ferry route changes to the winter track.

Wolfe Isl. has a kind of mystery to it. I know we need alternate sources of energy. The impact on citizens can be huge. They are arguing over a refurbished hydro dam project here. I am so fed up. "savethebalafalls.com" presents one side of it, but I think it is a great plan. Small towns everywhere are dying and we need something to help our town.

A friend wrote last year:
Living on Wolfe Island at the moment isn't ideal. Unbeknownst to us when we bought here (and most residents) nearly 86 wind turbines where planned and are now being installed. Access to the Island is by an hourly 55-vehicle capacity Ferry which is being shared by every variety of construction vehicle (including spinning cement tankers). Our roads are ruined (to be replaced they say) and the noise and dirt since last summer is awful. The lovely peace and quiet is limited, and the millions of birds and animals are not pleased either. The construction will cease this late summer, but what is to come in the way of noise and additional curious tourists is only speculation.

We must balance the past, historical information, and create a vision of the future that present a lasting one for; flora and fauna; human, animal, vegetable and mineral. Generations to come will thank us.

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biofuels and renewable energy

We create 75% of Ontario's power from Niagara Falls &Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, according to Ontario's energy Minister, George Smitherman.

They are determined to reduce dependence upon coal-fired generators, which provide about 18% of our power and tons of carbon.

The provincial Liberals campaigned on this principle.

Ontario Power Generation map shows the various stations involved in reducing our dependence on coal-fired energy and moving towards wind turbines and hydro projects, as well as generally reducing our dependence upon electricity by changing our behaviour and attitudes towards energy. One Millions Acts of Green is a good start!

Unfortunately, what is good for the province does not seem to be what locals have in mind. Those living in and around the Scarborough Bluffs are having the same problem with NIMBY as the Dambusters. A Google search brought up over 15,000 postings on the topic! The Toronto Star estimate that the proposed 60 turbines could power 50,000 homes.

John Barber, in the Globe article Not in My Backyard, part 1: Wind farms off the Scarborough Bluffs: Great Lake View. Shame About the Turbines, said, "Aesthetics over infrastructure is always a lousy bet." For our environment's sake, we have made decisions about policy. Those who built the city of Toronto care not a whit about aesthetics. The buildings are huge; they clutter the sky. How on earth does Mr. Barber feel justified making such a complaint?

We are having a similar battle here in our small town along these lines...this must just be the tip of the iceberg! There is a lot of buzz around. This protest has gone long and far! What is amusing is that Bracebridge Council are considering enhancing signage to celebrate their hydro dam and draw tourists while Bala citizens are protesting development.

I have written in my blog 5 times about this project as I tried to come to terms with the issues. There are two Facebook groups around it:
1) Save the Bala Falls & 2) Bala Falls.

The is a major website created by business owners (Savethebalafalls.com) in town. I call them the dambusters, who are hell-bent on not rebuilding the dam. The dam was working until 1957, when it was taken off-line because they thought it too small. In the ways of the current climate, any part helps. The Ontario Ministry is basically outsourcing such projects to bidders. There are medium, small and large private companies, like Swift River Energy, that are keen on getting involved.

Swift River Energy Ltd., who has won the contract through the Ontario Government, is having a hard time getting fair coverage through biased local media. Messages posted on-line by those in favour of the Hydro Project are deleted, and any photos posted are erased.

Things are really heating up around here!

In nearby Gravenhurst, the buildings crowd the shoreline and the beautiful view has been covered up. The new buildings (Grace & Speed; condo developments) obstruct the view. But this, apparently, is progress.

There are many stakeholders in such a process. They must be respected. NIMBY only reflect immediate residents and/or business owners. I am shocked with the power (excuse the pun!) such folks seem to hold over the press.