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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2014-07-02, Page 15Local wind groups unite the fight Turbine project appeals co -joined and court dates set Special to the Expositor The move to "Unite the Fight" has advanced another step. Three local wind groups, SWEAR (Safe Wind Energy for All Resi- dents), HEAT (Huron East Against Turbines) and HALT (Huron -Kinloss Against Lakeside Turbines) have announced that on Monday, June 9, the Fal- coner law firm successfully argued to have their Divi- sional Court appeals co - joined. The groups have been fighting against the construction of wind farms near Goderich, St. Colum - ban and Kincardine respec- tively. Dates to hear this appeal have been set for November 17 to 19. Falcon- ers LLP is also seeking a date for a co -joined stay of the K2, St. Columban and Armow wind projects prior to the appeal in November. The question arose at the March 1, 2013, Superior Court SWEAR - represent- ing Shawn & Trish Drennan - hearing as to the ability of the Environmental Review Tribunal (ERT) to hear a question on the Canadian Charter of Rights and Free- doms and how the Green Energy and Economy Act and "level of harm" apply. Justice Duncan Grace stayed the proceeding until such time as a Renewable Energy Approval (REA) was granted for the K2 Wind project and an opportunity to appeal to the ERT pre- sented itself. SWEAR was represented by Julian Fal- coner, a prominent human rights and constitutional lawyer. Project approvals were granted by the Ministry of the Environment for the K2, St. Columban and Armow wind farms. As directed by Justice Grace, ERT appeals for all three approvals were filed. They were each heard by the tri- bunal and denied. "Itis important to note that not all of the constitutional issues were allowed in at the hearings", explained Dave Hemingway, president of SWEAR "Justice Grace gave us a right of appeal to the Divisional Court on a ques- tion of law if there was not a proper airing of the constitu- tional issues at the ERT level. We have followed that course of action and are happy to be joining forces with HEAT and HALT as we move forward' "The work of putting this case together has been ongo- ing since May 2011. A sub- stantial record of evidence has been created to date. We are moving forward:' stated Shawn Drennan. Gerry Ryan, president of HEAT, commented that "at the heart of the lawsuit is a challenge under the Cana- dian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. If this Charter Challenge is successful, it will set a precedent and will assist all appeals and legal challenges going for- ward. Others can then raise the same issues and seek the same relief. Com- munities which are deal- ing with existing projects could also receive benefit." "This action has the potential to shift the bur- den of proof from the need to prove direct serious harm to human health to the need to prove the pos- sibility of harm, a much lower and more reasona- ble threshold" said Kevin McKee, president of HALT. Hemingway adds that there is a broader public interest being served. "It has taken time to educate the public to what is happening but the understanding is now clearly there. This case is for the people of Ontario. The government says that massive industrial wind tur- bine developments are safe. We, the people, are holding them accountable. The Charter is the government's promise to every man, woman and child in Can- ada, guaranteeing that we will have security to con- duct our affairs and lives in PARKIMATRE 301:11E R ICH 524-70 Fri & Sat 045 & 9:15 SUM Thur 0700 si itrrat' A4."411.ii L Pw'm 0141H 6.5.0.1.314 July 04 - 10 NUSA 114c4Ailltijir 1 a 14T MI MILO. r M1C Mi1E4 ACE IL.1.1tNtAl N 8:00 Nightly www.nioviellinks,ca ionsditirE4.4-13130465-3438 relative peace. The govem- ment of Ontario did not exercise due diligence when crafting the Green Energy and Economy Act. A very heavy handed approach was used. Ontario citizens should not take kindly to this type of governance Groups from across the province have and con- tinue to come together to support this Charter Chal- lenge. SWEAR, HALT and HEAT report that they have been successful in their fundraising to date. They note that they have come a long way and they want to keep going - right to the Supreme Court of Canada if necessary. The groups express thanks to all who have supported them in the past. Members of the public can get more information or donate to this action by contacting one of the following: Dave Hemingway: davehemingway@gmail. com 519-482-7005 Gerry Ryan: gerkar@tcc.on.ca 519-345-2620 Kevin McKee: crowningtouchfarm@ gmail.com 519-396-8110 Wednesday, July 2, 2014 • Huron Expositor 15 Dental clinic offered in Clinton A local dental clinic will be offering an opportunity to receive free dental care this month. The Clinton Dental Clinic will be hosting Dentistry from the Heart on Fri., July 11. This event will offer services to both adults and children in memory of the late Dr. Grant Lee. Dr. Lee founded the clinic and practiced in Clinton for over 30 years. He loved his community and always strived to give back to it whenever pos- sible. After learning about Den- tistry from the Heart at a dental convention he immediately wanted to host an event. He brought the information back to the office and told everyone about it but no date had been set. After his sudden passing last summer, the staff decided the best way to honour his memory was to follow through with the event. Dentistry from the Heart was originated in the U.S. by a den- tist named Dr. Vincent Montic- ciolo as a way to give back to the community and provide aid to the growing number of peo- ple without dental insur- ance. According to a press release from the organiza- tion, Dentistry from the Heart events have con- tributed more than $8 million in free dental care and helped more than 45,000 patients across the U.S. and Canada in the past nine years. Celebrating 50 Years Elsie and Peter Willems Caroline, Marilyn and Lori Lynne Jacqueline Clausius, office manager of Clinton Dental, said dental care is something many people cannot afford because of a lack of insurance or other reasons, adding that even people with insurance can struggle with costs. Dr. Veronica Lee, Dr. David Turner and three dental hygienists will be providing treatment. There will be many staff volunteers and also the support of the Huron County Health Unit on site the day of the event. Clausius believes Dr. Lee would be very pleased that the event is happening. He will be smiling down on all of us! The clinic will run between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Fri., July 11. Adults can choose between a filling, an extraction or a cleaning. Children can have a dental screening, cleaning and fluoride treatment. Registration starts at 7 a.m. in person only. Patients will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis until the schedule is filled up. For more information, con- tact the clinic at 519-482-9392. LA; 3,112ITillT CW:op Make 'four Own htf. wipe. CLIO 1 • uit rI- AftEl aft a CAP 81 0.1$16ri St, -riffiERICH 924.2311 Se •tember 12, 1964 and their families invite you to join us for the afternoon of July 13, 2014 at the Royal Canadian Legion Seaforth Branch 156 156 Main St., S. Seaforth 1-4 p.m. Best Wishes Only Please Open House Format Alicia Fry & Matt Chaput Saturday, July 5 • 8pm - lam Seaforth Arena - Ice Surface $5 in advance, $10 at the door music, games, drinks & food Call or text 51 9-955-1 125 for tickets or visit Shell or UPI in Seaforth. Age of majority