The Rural Voice, 2006-11, Page 56GREY
County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
446 10th St., Hanover, Ontario N4N 1P9
Email: grey@ofa.on.ca Website: www.ofa.on.ca/grey
519-364-3050 or 1-800-275-9551
• The Rural Voice is provided to OFA
Members in Grey County by the GCFA
Southgate Windy fields initiative
By now most residents in Grey
County have become aware of the
potential of renewable energy
especially in the form of large wind
farm projects. Our geographic area,
being in close proximity to a large
population base, is blessed with
ample opportunities to supply this
base with Targe quantities of energy,
especially electricity.
Current government policies and
big leaps in wind technology have
encouraged large corporate interests
to examine our area as a reliable
source of electric power. Up to now
these companies have entered our
area offering 20 -year land lease
agreements. These agreements may
seem wonderful on the surface, but
have serious shortcomings for the
whole township. Again, it seems the
riches of our area are exported out
with little benefit to the local
residents and the community as a
whole.
But an alternative is available to
any community with the courage and
foresight to act together for the
benefit of all. This is the green
community co-operative approach.
One such opportunity is being
examined by a local group in
Southgate.
With an ample land base that is
relatively flat. and featuring a high
altitude, strong wind velocities places
Southgate in a position to reliably
produce electricity from renewable
sources. The residents of Southgate
who participate can take an active
role in the Ontario energy field. They
can all be part owners or investors
with an equal say in the operation of
the co-operative and the power
supply for the local area and take the
initial steps in energy sustainability.
With the advent of the Standard
Offer Contract. these co-operatives
can be financially viable and
dependent upon the local support can
be as successful as any initiative in
Grey County. In addition, this co-
operative model can promote a
healthier lifestyle with innovative
It's election time 2006
Yes, it is municipal election time again. Now the mandate is for four years
instead of three.
Please learn about your local candidates and how their ideas, actions and
philosophy will affect you. Make up your own list of questions to ask them
because they will directly impact on you as a farmer, business person, land
owner, renter, retiree, etc. Make the best choice for yourself and in the long
run it will usually be the best choice for all,
Do you want a balanced budget?
Do you want Toronto sludge spread on local farmers fields?
Do you want any type of businesses welcomed or have a restriction list?
The OFA has some good information on their website with a list of
possible questions to ask your local candidates. Check it out at
http://www.ofa.on.ca/newsevents/MunicipalElection/municipalelectionKit2006.pdf
This is your main chance to have like-minded members of council.
Remember, it is easier if council thinks your way than to have to form a
delegation to speak to council requesting a change in by-laws, etc. This is not
a time for guessing games. All candidates should be approachable and should
answer any questions you have for them. If you are happy with the elected
officials you have had for the last three years, then re-elect them with your
votes.
Once again this is an important time of year. Be informed and VOTE.O
— Submitted by John Hurst,
2nd Vice President, Grey County Federation of Agriculture
52 THE RURAL VOICE
ideas of conservation and energy
production that can provide all with
the security of sustainability.
The initial planning committee for
this project, called Southgate Windy
Fields. is sponsoring an informative
public meeting at Swinton Park Hall
on Tuesday, November 21, at 7:30
p.m. They are looking for farmers
and landowners who would like to
share in their vision for a prosperous
and healthy community. This
evening. the group hopes, will'
provide the mission of this project
with valuable information and ideas
and encourage feedback from any
participant. It is also their hope that
this will be the first of many other
similar initiatives in this country.
This is an. opportunity for the
farming community to become
leaders in this vital industry.0
— Submitted by Vitold Kreutzer
PROTON and EGREMONT
Federations of Agriculture
Annual Meeting
Friday, November 24 - 7:00 p.m.
Dundalk Legion
Entertainment by Ken Harrison
and four -piece band
Tickets $12 available from:
Wayne Caughill 519-923-5996
Ron Wilshire 519-323-3048
Paul DeJong 519-923-9777
John Hurst 519-923-5599
Lorne Riddell 519-923-5253
Ken Furlong 519-923-6984
Lloyd Simpson 519-334-3015
GREY COUNTY FEDERATION OF
AGRICULTURE
DIRECTORS' MEETING
Thursday, November 16
8:00 p.m.
Grey County Agricultural
Services Centre meeting room
(Grey Gables)
206 Toronto Street South, Markdale
Members are welcome to attend