Lakeshore Advance, 2013-06-05, Page 10Wednesday, June 5, 2013 • Lakeshore Advance 9
Promise to increase consultation with municipalities may fall short
QMI Agency
Local politicians and leaders of
community groups took turns 'Thurs-
day piling on the Wynne government,
saying new rules for wind farms fall far
short of what's needed.
The rules, revealed by Sun Media
this week and outlined Thursday by
Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli, prom-
ise to increase consultation with
affected municipalities.
"Unless we can get full veto, 1 just
don't know if it's going to be very good
for us," Middlesex County Warden
Brad Richards said. "Don't do it
halfway."
The Liberals still have their work cut
Alio for thein in rural Ontario -- where
py were nearly wiped off the map in
the 2011 election — because residents
there are going to be "very, very suspi-
cious" about the changes, said politi-
cal scientist Peter Woolstencroft of the
University of Waterloo,
"People will question the
commitment."
The best way to win over rural
Ontario would be to give both sides —
the province and municipalities — a
veto over Targe projects, Woolstencroft
said.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne
said municipalities will be consulted
before major projects proceed.
"It's true that there's not a veto
power involved in this process, but we
always have to balance the greater
good with the local good," Wynne said.
"I hope it meets the needs of the
municipality but we're going to work
on it:"
One critic called the new renewable
energy rules "nothing but a smoke-
screen;' an attempt by the governing
Liberals to win back the favour of rural
Ontario.
"It does nothing for those commu-
nities that have wind turbines or have
massive projects going in," said Lisa
'Thompson, Progressive Conservative
MIT for l luron-Bruce,
Many municipalities are passing
"unwilling host" resolutions to signal
their opposition to any wind projects
being located within their borders.
'this has divided communities and
pitted neighbours against neighbours
and families against families," said
Nionte McNaughton, Progressive Con-
servative MPP for Lambton-Kent-Mid-
dlesex, where a handful of municipali-
ties have passed the resolutions.
Those who support wind energy
said the changes are a step in the right
direction.
Lambton County warden'1'odd Case
says, "I would sum it up as a baby step
forward. 1 always say the Devil is in the
details and we still don't know all the
details. Obviously the whole question
about not being a willing host contin-
ues to be un -answered. 'ihe question
for ane is how the Government imple-
ments the changes. Thus far their track
record is less then stellar."
Robert Hornung, president of pro -
wind CanWEA, said the new rules can
only mean more prosperity for the
province.
"Ontario's progressive approach to
renewable energy development has
successfully attracted billions in new
investment and helped revitalize the
manufacturing sector, and wind
energy is now a very cost -competitive
source of clean, renewable electricity
generation."
ihe changes will give communities
a stronger voice in renewable energy
projects, Chiarelli said.
"Ontario is committed to building
clean, reliable energy to support our
families, businesses, schools and hos-
pitals," he said.
"it's also clear that we need to make
changes to increase local control over
the siting of renewable energy
projects."
- 11'iih filesfrom /Inkwell(' :lrtuso,
(.)A11 Agency Queen's lurk Bureau
ceded dollars come from federal coffers
Lynda HIllman-Rapley
MP Ben Lobb announced last week
that the harbour in Bayfield will be
receiving funding for improvements
through the small craft ha rbours
program.
"Our Government is committed to
ensuring a bright future for Canada's
commercial fisheries and a safe har-
bour for recreational boaters," said
Lobb. "Our investment in the harbour
in Bayfield will keep 1t safe and acces-
sible for all."
The Municipality of fluewater will
receive $27,500 for work planned at the
Bayfield Harbour which includes
dredging of approximately 2000 cubic
meters of material from the Bayfield
River on a 50/50 cost shared basis with
the Municipality and local marinas to
allow continued safe access of boaters
to the harbour.
Brent Kittiner, Director of Commu-
nity Services says, "Bayfield is a federal
harbour the same as Grand fiend, They
are eligible for 50% matching funds for
dredging on Federal property the same
as we are. Lambton Shores typically
receive $18,000 on average from the
Federal government each year and this
is something they apply for every year.
Repair and improvement projects
are undertaken at harbours across the
country by Fisheries and Oceans Can-
ada, as part of its Small Craft 1 tarbours
Program, in cooperation with the local
harbour authorities that manage and
operate facilities for local users. Close
cooperation between the Department
and harbour authorities allows the fed-
eral government to continue to provide
an operable system of harbours and
facilities throughout Canada in support
of commercial fish harvesters.
'lie Changes
New rules for approving Targe
wind turbine projects:
• No more feed -in tariff (FIT)
program. Replaced with conn-
petitive procurement process
• Developers must work with
municipalities before seeking
Ontario Power Authority
approval
• Property taxes paid on wind
turbine towers will go up
• Funding for municipalities for
local energy plans
Government of Canada invests
in seniors project in Zurich
Lakeshore Advance
Seniors in 'Zurich will soon
have new opportunities to vol-
unteer, maintain a high quality
of life and, actively participate
in their cornmunities thanks to
funding through the New Hori-
zons for Seniors Program
(NHSP).
Ben Lobb Member of Parlia-
ment for Huron -Bruce made
the announcement today on
behalf of the Honourable Diane
Finley, Minister of Human
Resources and Skills Develop-
ment, and the Honourable
Alice Wong, Minister of State
(Seniors).
"Our government recognizes
the diversity of skills,
knowledge and experience that
seniors contribute to our soci-
ety and the economy," said MP
Lobb. "Through initiatives such
as the New Horizons for Sen-
iors Program, we are helping to
ensure that seniors maintain a
high quality of life and continue
as active, participating mem-
bers of their communities."
The Blue Water Rest Home
will receive $25,000 through the
New hiorizons for Seniors Pro-
gram for the Cedarwoods Sen-
iors Conmunity Resource Cen-
tre. The funding will go towards
renovating a vacated space to
support social participation of
seniors by creating a place to
accommodate a variety of activ-
ities, including a new intergen-
erational program
'We are extremely grateful to
the New Ilorizons for Seniors
Program for supporting our
plans to engage seniors in the
community. The new environ-
ment will be the desired desti-
nation for bringing seniors
together' said Angle Dunn,
Administrator at Blue Water
Rest glome.
Since its beginning, the New
Horizons for Seniors Program
has funded more than 12,200
projects in hundreds of com-
munities across Canada. This
year, the Government of Can-
ada will provide more than $33
million in funding for approxi-
mately 1,750 community
projects.
This Month In Lambton
Todd Case
Warden
County Of Lambton
Water Fluoridation
The County of lamblon s Medical Officer of Health is recommending the Lamblon Area Water Supply System continuo with the
fluondation of dnnking water In a letter to Lambton County Mayors, Dr Sudd Ranado says over 90 national and international
professional health organizations, including Health Canada, the Canadian Public Health Association, and the World Hoath
Organization, have endorsed the use of Auondo al recommended levels to prevent tooth decay. Dr, Ranado adds the U S Centres for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that $1 invested in fluondation saves up to $38 in dental treatment costs
Lamblon Community Health Study
A Lambton County Council Committee is recommending Council support the Community Health Study Boyd through the granting of
$11,000 The funds would be used to develop a detailed plan in order to secure funding commitments to implement Phase III of the
Lambton Community Health Study In a report to council, staff indicates that some, not all. health concerns would be addressed in the
Onlano Health Study
Provincial Leaden Invited
County Warden Todd Case is inviting the leaders of Onlano s three main political parties to Lambton County for meetings with local
Mayors and Councillors Invitations wont out to Premier Kathleen Wynne. Progressive Conservative Loader Tim Hudak and Now
Democratic Loader Andrea Horwalh The County is hoping to have the ear of each of the throe loaders before the next provincial
electron in order to strengthen each party's platfomr on rural matters.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program • Mobile Event
A household hazardous wasto collection mobile event will bo held in Sarnia al the Lambton College Parking Lot, 1457 London Road on Saturday, Juno 15. 2013
from 9 30 a m to 2 00 p m This free event is facilitated by the County of Lambton, in conjunction with Clean Harbors Canada, and IS ono of Iwo moble events
being held in 2013. There aro also throe remaining hoe household hazardous waste collection events in 2013 al the Clean Harbors Facility, located at 4090
Totter Road in the Township of Sl Clair. The events aro scheduled from 9 a m to 2 p.m. on the following Saturdays.
Juno 29September 28 October 26
These events provide residents the opportunity to dispose of their household denved hazardous matenals in an environmentally friendly manner Items accepted
include paints, solvents, battonos (single use andrechargeable), propane cylinders, fertilizers, poshcidos, antifreeze, used oil, oil Alters, fluorescent lights (tubes
and corneal), Aro extinguishers, pharmaceuticals, mercury containing devices (smoke detectors, thermometers, barometers), and sharps (noodles)
Severe Summer Weather
Summer is a time for vacations, picnics, camping and swimming but summer is also a lime for severe weather. Intense thunderstorm storms can bnng lightning,
heavy ran. damaging winds and even tornadoes. On average there are about 12 tornados in Ontano each year so rt makes sense to be prepared for severe
weather by knowing what to do when a occurs Listen to local weather forecasts, consider signing up to receive email or text weather alerts, and purchase a
weather alert radio. Fa more mfonation about severe weather and personal preparedness, visa www lambtononhno ca and dick on 'Aro You Prepared?'
Lambton Heritage Museum
Shine. Spolhghf on Women of Lambton exhibit on now until November 8 Regular admission applies Call 519.243.2600 or visit www klieg org for more
intonation
On Display at the Judith 8 Norman Alix Art Gallery
The JNAAG's Junod Art Show (May 18 • September 8)
Includes 26 works by 22 artists who reside in southwostom Ontano, and of the 22 artists selected, six aro from Lambton County Artists working in all mediums
were eligible to submit to the show which makes for a diverse and somewhat eclectic display This year the exhibition has almost every medium represented
including video. painting, sculpture, collage, drawing, photography and an installation.
tt�
OFFICE OF THE COUNTY WARDEN
789 Broadway Street, Box 3000
Wyoming, ON NON 1TO
tow Telephone: 519-845-0801
Toll Free: 1-866-324-6912
COUNTY OF Fax: 519-845-3160
LAMBTON www.lambtononline.ca
Cunng + ynnvitig O Innenutrve
f
!,1 aYou