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The Lucknow Sentinel, 2016-05-25, Page 5Wednesday, May 25, 2016 • Lucknow Sentinel 5 Ontario's wind, solar power forecasts under fire by analysts John Miner London Free Press New projections that 28 per cent of Ontario's power will come from wind, solar and biofuel by 2040 are being dismissed by an independ- ent energy analyst. A new report by the National Energy Board concludes that the recent shutdown of Ontario's coal- fired power plants, including the Lambton Generating Station near Sarnia, and upgrades to its nuclear plants — that includes the massive Bruce Power complex near Kincardine, the world's largest operating nuclear plant — will pro- vide a major boost to Ontario's renewable and natural-gas fired electricity generation. The 28 -per -cent figure for wind, solar and biofuel generation is four times higher than what those three sources of green power contributed in 2015, when wind supplied six per cent of Ontario's power and solar and biofuel about one per cent. "That is way out there — far beyond even what the Ontario gov- ernment, at its most fanciful, antic- ipates," said energy analyst and researcher Tom Adam. Despite Ontario's controversial plunge into wind power, most of which is based in Southwestern Ontario where the largest number of wind farms are found, wind energy still accounts for only eight per cent of the province's energy mix, according to its Independent Electricity System Operator. Cost and mix of electricity in Ontario have come under a harsh spotlight in wake of a report by the provincial auditor general last year that found Ontarians paid $37 bil- lion extra for power over the last eight years because of the Liberal government's decisions to ignore its own planning process for new power generation projects. Bonnie Lysyk found the electric- ity component of power bills rose by 70 per cent from 2006 to 2014, with the province going against the advice of its own power planning authority, and warned power rates will keep climbing, costing con- sumers another $133 billion extra over the 17 years. Adam said suggesting wind, solar and biofuel generation will quadru- ple in the next 24 years shows a lack of appreciation of the massive impact of the generation already in place on the electricity system. The trouble with wind and solar, Adam said, is that most of the power is generated when it is least needed, forcing Ontario to cut back hydro -electric and nuclear genera- tion and sell surplus power to the United States at a fraction of what it's paying for it. "The timing of delivery is horri- ble. The most active hour for pro- duction of wind power is between one and two o'clock in the morn- ing," Adam said. Ice Cream Trail 2016 featuring Fish Kincardine Derby a go for May 20-29 Organizers are inviting the pub- lic to join Sammy Sprinkles on the 2016 Huron -Kinloss Ice Cream Trail, as he savours the local fla- vours across the township. The Ice Cream Trail is a fun -filled photo scavenger hunt for the whole family, which takes participants to ice cream stops along the Trail past beaches, unique shops, golf courses, parks, trails, splash pads and a pool. "This year the theme of the trail is "local flavours; and you will lots of fresh local produce and homemade goodies along the way;" said organizer Taralynn Cronin. "The Trail can be completedina one -day trip or you can spread your adventure outoverthe summer' For those of you who have not com- pleted 'The Trail' before, the event is also a contest. Players follow a map to nine local ice cream stops and read dues to find Sammy Sprinkles. "Once you find Sammy, take apicture with him at each location and submit the pictures with a completed entryform to the Township of Huron -Kinloss, said Cronin. "You will receive afree t shirtfor collecting all the required pictures and a chance to win the grand prize of 250 Huron -Kinloss Dollars." Submitted Ice Cream Trail mascot Sammy Sprinkles. Special prizes will also be awarded for the funniest, most cre- ative and largest group photos. One new stop this year will be the new "Cobblestone Pub & Grill" restau- rant that's soon to open in Ludmow. "Young or old, the Ice Cream Trail is a great way to spend time with family and friends," said Cronin. The contest runs May 20 to Sept. 30, 2016 and entries must be received by Oct 9, 2016to qualifyfor the grand prize. Visitwww.icecreamtrail.ca for more details or visit the Facebookpage. Keeping busy in Dungannon and St. Helen's Shag Campbell Dungannon News The daffodils and tulips are out in full bloom, making wonderful splashes of all kinds of colour around the countryside. Steve Albrecht has sold his lot in St. Helen's. The Amish farmers are busy in their fields planting corn with three row planters pulled by horses. Menno Miller has a large number of baby Muscovy ducts running around. Lois and Joe Psutka planted the flower box at the corner of Joseph and Southampton street with col- ourful petunias. He even made a lid for it to protect the flowers from frost. Well done folks. The lawns are all cut and looking very nice. It snowed very hard on Sunday, May 15 in the morning. The last time I can recall snow this late was on May 24 in 1957 in Melbourne, Ont. 80 miles south of here. I was 17 years old. I had a nice visit with my 95 year old mother in Strathroy on Sat. An old friend Barbara McVicar died on May 6 at the grand age of 107. On Friday the 13th Barry Devereaux visited with Shag and Joan and helped fix a nasty snag on my fishing pole. Thanks Barry. Pike season opened on May 14 in Lake Wawanosh. Good luck fisherman. There were nine thirsty folks for coffee but only 4 for euchre last week at the Dungannon Senior Centre. Got news? Call Shag at 519-529-7734. with shopping sprees as top prizes The weather is shaping up for the 2016 Canadian Tire Fish Kin- cardine Derby. The event kicks off on Friday May 20 and fishing straight through to Sunday May 29 at noon. Tickets are available at Kincar- dine Canadian Tire or Lake Huron Rod & Gun in Underwood. "As always these big events take a lot of volunteer time, if you C/) CI LL C/) C/) W H CI W W a z LL would like to help out in the weigh station email us," organizers said in a media release. Get in on the action and in on the prizing, with the grand prize top fish claiming a $5,000 Shop- ping Spree at Kincardine Cana- dian Tire, along with two $1,000 Shopping Sprees at Lake Huron Rod & Gun and much more. Saturday, May 21 is Ladies Day, Thursday, May 26 is Seniors Day THE BLUFFS AT HURON A Parkbridge Community and Saturday, May 28 is Kids Day. Daily Prize Packs will be availa- ble for Fish of the Day, as well as a Daily Hidden Weight, Aggregated Weight and more. Camping options are also available. For more information or to vol- unteer e-mail kincardine.cofc@ bmts.com, call 519-396-9333 or visit www.fishkincardinederby. COM Lakeside community living at its best. MOVE IN SUMMER 2016 Don't miss another spectacular sunset. FROM THE 70,000s REGISTER FOR UPDATES: www.TheBluffsAtHuron.com Par ridge Your bridge to smarter living CaII for an appointment today! Realty Executives Platinum 519-235-4949