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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2010-11-11, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2010.MPP shares Green Energy Act answers Christmas Bureau holds first meeting Scrapbook takes second Childcare Worker Appreciation Day Employees at the Walton Little School were recognized for their efforts during Childcare Worker Appreciation Day. Shown are Kim Van Miltenburg, Linda Sinnamon, Valerie Shortreed and Debbie Bunda with some of the younger members of the school. Missing is Amanda Turner. (Denny Scott photo) THE EDITOR, On Nov. 4, John Wilkinson, Minister of Environment, responded to questions from Philip McNeely, MPP Ottawa-Orleans, in the legislature regarding public consultations and proposed amendments to the Green Energy Act. Over the last few months I have received similar questions from my Huron-Bruce constituents and municipal leaders and wanted to share Minister Wilkinson’s answers with you. MPP McNeely asked Minister Wilkinson to clarify “misinformation and half truths being spread about the approval process.” Minister Wilkinson responded by stressing the Renewable Energy Approvals process is transparent, open and predictable for people, municipalities and proponents: “…I know that some municipalities have concerns about proposed projects, and I want to be very clear: my ministry views municipal consultation as essential to this entire process. That’s why it’s built right into the process. That’s why it is the law under the Green Energy Act. Any company that wants to build a wind project must sit down with the municipality to hear any legitimate concerns. They must hold public meetings and they must attempt to address any outstanding issues in order for them to have a complete application. If they don’t put a complete application in front of my ministry, they will not receive an approval, and if they don’t receive an approval from my ministry, it cannot be built. When it comes down to this, we have final say, but we will say no unless the public and municipalities are given their say. That’s the law.” Minister Wilkinson explained the current Environmental Registry posting for the Green Energy Act. “…These rules were put in place to protect human health. We established a tough setback of at least 550 metres from what is known as a receptor. So we’re not changing policy direction and we’re not changing the way the approvals process works. We based our rules around the distance to a receptor, which means—and I want to be clear—a place where people live, sleep or go to school. The amendments make it clear that we do not consider a tool shed or a hunting cabin a receptor. It is where people live, sleep and go to school. That’s why we’re proposing even greater clarity through these amendments.” I know there have been some concerns expressed about the proposed changes to the Green Energy Act. I hope that Minister Wilkinson’s comments in the legislature have helped alleviate some of those concerns. I support these amendments because they will contribute to more robust consultations and the submission of complete applications. I encourage you to review and comment on the proposed amendments at www.ebr.gov.on.ca The EBR Registry Number is 011- 0181 and public comments are being accepted until Nov. 21, 2010. Please don’t hesitate to contact my constituency offices in Clinton or Kincardine if you have any further concerns. Sincerely, Carol Mitchell, MPP Huron-Bruce. THE EDITOR, The Huron County Christmas Bureau held its first meeting this past week. Plans are now underway to have another successful year. We are now asking for your support. A gift of new clothing, food and new toys ensures that there can be a Christmas for every child and their family. Dropboxes will be scattered throughout the area. This year Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 220 Carling Terrace, Wingham, will be hosting the Wingham Bureau, which encompasses the Brussels, Lucknow, Belgrave, Wroxeter, Fordwich, Gorrie and Wingham area. The collection week is Dec. 6-10 with confidential distribution the week of Dec. 13-18. For further information contact me, Susan, at 519-357-2262. Thank you. Susan Hotchkiss and Eileen George, Co-Chairs, Wingham Christmas Bureau Sacred Heart Church. Continued from page 3 donations to the North Huron Food Drive. Since the last meeting, the Branch has received news of the passing of Parkwood Veteran, Clinton Hofstetter on Oct. 15. Three members of the Branch attended his funeral in London to extend their sympathy to the family. The Branch scrapbook placed second in the “D” category of the District scrapbook contest. The meat draws have commenced for the fall season under the supervision of Comrade Cathy Smith. Winner of the Early Bird membership draw was Lorna Vincent. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. - please plan to attend. Letters to the Editor Kindergarten Registration 2010-2011 November 2010 at Your Community Public School Ted Doherty Director of Education Jenny Versteeg Chair DATES AND LOCATIONS North Huron Area Schools Friday Morning, November 12 Blyth Public School - Call 519-523-9201 Wednesday Morning, November 17 Brookside Public School - Call 519-529-7900 Friday Morning, November 19 East Wawanosh Public School - Call 519-357-2960 Brussels Public School Call 519-887-9361 Tuesday Morning, November 23 Wingham Public School Call 519-357-3270 Children 3 years old by Dec. 31, 2010, are eligible for JK in Sept. 2011 JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN Children 4 years old by Dec. 31, 2010, are eligible for SK in Sept. 2011 SENIOR KINDERGARTEN yourschools.cayourschools.caBUY? SELL? TRY CLASSIFIED