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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2016-08-10, Page 15President of Wind Concerns Ontario appeals to Huron County Justine Alkema Postmedia Network Conversations surround- ing the Huron County Board of Health's investigation into industrial wind turbines (IWT) are ongoing. Most recently Jane Wilson, Presi- dent of advocacy group Wind Concerns Ontario, gave a presentation to the board on August 4. In March, the board had posted an announcement on their website about a study they planned to carryout regarding the health impacts of IWTs, and people began to sign up. However several months later, they paused the study. They said they were unsure of the costs of the endeavor and were con- cerned they didn't have the resources to ensure the study was done effectively and is actionable. Not long after, the staff member who was to carry out the study was let go. This caused ripples through the community and was particularly upsetting for individuals who were strongly advocating for this study to happen. During the board's June meeting, the board dis- cussed a potential opportu- nity to partner with the Uni- versity of Waterloo (UW) for a study. This was again a strong theme at the meeting on August 4, and two profes- sors from UW were present at the meeting. Wilson explained that Wind Concerns Ontario is a coalition that is concerned about IWTs' effects on the economy, natural environ- ment and human health. She gave a ten-minute presenta- tion covering a variety of areas including conclusions of other studies and gaps in other studies and various kinds of noise, both audible and inaudible, and how they affect people. She also explained more about what a study with UW would look like. Wind Concerns would do the community outreach and the fundraising, and UW would provide the con- tracted professionals to do the actual noise measure- ment. The department they are looking to work with from UW is the School of Public Health and Health Systems. "We aim to keep costs to a minimum," said Wilson. "The funding for this project will be done through fund- ing and donations." Wilson said to the board that the minimum involve- ment they are looking for from them is access to the noise complaints they had already received from peo- ple in Huron County. The board had set up a place for people to submit confiden- tial complaints, and Wilson said these are the kinds of people they would like to contact to ask for their par- ticipation in the study. So the board would have to recon- nect with the people who sent in the complaints and ask them for their permis- sion to give that confidential Wednesday, August 10, 2016 • Huron Expositor 15 information to Wind Concerns. "What caught our interest is we needed a step one; how do we get the names of some people to work with, and Huron County had already started that," said Wilson. "So that's why we're here today, to ask them if they could continue that work, and we would be their part- ner." She mentioned, how- ever, that sharing those names are a minimum con- tribution, and suggested other ways for their staff to get involved. The study will include at least six houses. First, they would get the names and complaints from those who Music continues to be a big part of Walton Raceway What is known throughout Canada as motocross town is rapidly getting a reputation as a favourite spot for young country music artists at the Parts Canada TransCan Grand National Champion- ships of motocross, in Wal- ton Ont. What started with Jason Blaine the small stage and intimate feel became an instant favourite to country stars. "I told the guys I would play here any time, it is just a cool place to perform." said Blaine. He's made two LET'S ALL DO OUR PART! PLEASE RECYCLE va 1111 BOTTLES CANS appearances, encouraged both Tim Hicks and Brett Kissel to perform in Walton. "I told them it would be a lot of fun and as expected nobody was let down," said Blaine. In 2016, new bands hope to capture some of the good vibes of Huron County and the Walton motocross fans base. The 25th Parts Canada TransCan Grand National motocross runs August 17-21. Nevertheless coun- try music fans have their eye on the August 19 con- cert night to lead into the weekend race finals. The concert open will be per- formed by newcomer Jor- dan McIntosh. Jordan recently released his debut album, Steal Your Heart, and quickly climbed the Canadian country music charts on iTunes. He earned the 2014 Country Music Association of Ontario award for Rising Star and was also a finalist in the Emerging Artist Showcase at the Boots and Hearts Music Festival. Prior to the release of his first full Walk/Run for Mental Health Awareness SUNDAY AUG. l4th, 9am @ the Seaforth Arena Sponsored by: RUN4MENTALHEALTH All Proceeds go to the Canadian Mental Health Association and Huron -Perth Centre for Youth Register or direct any questions to: devereauxkristen13@gmail.com Come on out to raise awareness! album, McIntosh became known for his singles Walk Away, Let Me Love You, Grew Up in a Country Song, That Girl and Story of My Life (featuring George Canyon). "I have known the Cold Creek County guys for a while now. I am excited to open and to play in Walton.» said Jordan. «It should be awesome. I have heard noth- ing but great things about the crowds." "I am looking forward to checking out some racing too:' submitted those to Huron County. Then, they would look through those com- plaints to find appropriate subjects and record their symptoms. They would then measure noise in and around their homes. Wilson said other studies have just looked at noise in one room, but they will look in many locations in the home. They will also meas- ure the homes in many sea- sons and in different weather conditions. In the past, they have measured the home once, but Wilson said it's important to track the house for a while to get a more accurate picture. This would likely take at least a ,.ea ort uronex s ositor.co FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016 CENTENNIAL HALL - LONDON Tickets at The Centennial Hall Box Office. Charge by Phone 519-672-1967 or online at www.centennialhall.Iondon.ca www.redgreen.com File photo/Postmedia network year. Bluewater Mayor Tyler Hessel, who is also the chair of the Board of Health, spoke on behalf of MOH Dr. Maarten Bokhout who was absent at the meeting. Bok- hout wanted to emphasize that a partnership with Uni- versity of Waterloo was a key aspect of this undertaking. The board passed a motion at the end of the meeting to recommend a partnership, but it isn't quite official at this point. Their motion including look- ing into their staff workload to make sure they could han- dle this extra task, and they will revisit the subject at their September meeting. Nic Flanagan B. Eng. Frank & Louise Flanagan are pleased to announce the graduation of their son Nic from the University of Guelph. He received his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering on June 14, 2016. Nic graduated with distinction earning a place on the Dean's honours list. Congratulations Nic! We are so very proud of you! Love Mom, Dad, Kelsey and Emma SEAFORTH OPTIMISTS 2016-2017 TRAVEL THE WORLD & CASH LOTTERY WINNERS August Winners Rocky Mountain Rail Tour Brian Barry $100 CONSOLATION • Robert Kollman • Cherry Hoste Nic Flanagan B. Eng. Frank & Louise Flanagan are pleased to announce the graduation of their son Nic from the University of Guelph. He received his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering on June 14, 2016. Nic graduated with distinction earning a place on the Dean's honours list. Congratulations Nic! We are so very proud of you! Love Mom, Dad, Kelsey and Emma