Loading...
Huron Expositor, 2009-06-10, Page 3Huron East still From Page tied," said Seili. Council discussed whether or not an interim control bylaw could be passed to ensure studies are done on local residents' health concerns around wind turbines. According to a report from Oxford County - which considered an inter- im control bylaw when it asked the province to research the health: con- cerns around wind turbines in Feb- ruary - an interim control bylaw is "a legislative tool provided through the Planning Act which allows a munici- pality to pass a bylaw to temporarily prohibit the use of land, buildings or structures within the municipality." Oxford County's report says an interim control bylaw can be in ef- fect for one year only after the mu- nicipality has directed that a review or study be undertaken on land use planning and can be extended for one additional year while the plan- ning studies are being completed. Sixty days after theinterim con- trol bylaw is passed, an appeal can be made to the Ontario Municipal Board. A report from Huron County plan- ner Scott Tousaw recommended that while Huron East could pass an in- terim n-ter im control bylaw, it needs to do so with careful consideration . and the advice of a lawyer. Tousaw pointed out that an interim control bylaw can create "potentially significant costs of defending appeals or legal challenges" and added that the recently -passed provincial Green Energy Act will "nullify the effect of interim control" once the regulations come into effect. Brussels Coun. David Blaney ques- tioned whether an interim control bylaw would be effective since it can only last a year. - "CASA is goingto proceed at pace and I'm not sure they're going to care if the bylaw can onlylast a year," he said, adding that ASA hasn't yet received Ministry of Environment approval or a purchase agreement yet. Jim Murray, of the citizens' group, asked whether -the interim control bylaw would prevent the St. Colum- News Tha�- eHuron Expositor • June 10, 2009 Page looking for lawyer to consult about wind turbines ban wind projects from being grand- fathered since they began before the Green Energy Act was passed. "It will do nothing for you. I don't think you have any protection," re- sponded Blaney. Council also received a letter from the St. Columban residents' lawyer Kristi Ross of Folger, Rubinoff LLP advising them that she i:: •n the pro- cess of drafting a letter and position paper on the group's : concerns and asking for a meeting with the mu- nicipal council in two weeks. "She's a municipal and environ- mental lawyer," said Gerry Ryan, of the St. Columban citizens' group. "No one knows where CASA is in the process, no one can find that out. That's why she wants you to wait two weeks," said Ryan, adding that the wind turbine project is an impor- tant issue for St. Columban, Huron County and Ontario. Seaforth Coun. Joe Stefller said he wanted Huron East to do some- thing. "I think this is a special circum- stance. We've got to do something to protect these people somehow, someway. I've never seen this many people at a council meeting in all my years on council," he said. Seili said he was concerned the citi- zens' group might have tied council's hands by engaging a lawyer. "The minute lawyers are involved, the companies go underground and hou have to deal with their lawyers," e said. McKillop Coun. Bill Siemon said the best, thing the citizens' group can do is keep making noise about their concerns about wind turbines. "The decision is going to be made by the province and if they pulled out of Kingsbridge, they may pull out of St. Columban;" he said, quoting from an article in Canadian Geographic that said Phase II of the wind project in Kingsbridge was stopped by a citi- zens' group. Ster added that if there's enough public outcry, the province will have to take a second look at. the health effects of wind turbines. "Keep up the pressure because you're not unique, he said, pointing to the various other : ou • s • rotest- Our auto loans can put you on the road easier than ever Any ro,dsc mode{ F,.rnort;/cri tall to 7 yexr. We'II offer you 'more than just a loan. At United Communities, you'll find a team that makes a difference for you and your community; Find out more at myunited.ca Or call us at 519.776.4311 or 1.800.492,9492 • New vehicles only, personal use. Rate subject to change. OAC ing throughout Ontario. McKillop Coun. Andrew Flowers commended the group and its turn- out at the meeting. Citizens' group member Tom Mela- dy said the St. Columban community is feeling frustrated about the lac of power local people have under the Green Energy Act. "It's almost as if democracy is leav- ing the people. Our slogan is 'take back our land' because people are feeling frustrated about losing pow- er over the property they own," he said. - Blaney told Melady councillors are also- frustrated. "We're supposed to be in a place of responsibility but we can't get any answers. We're elected to help and we cannot and it doesn't make you feel very well," he said. One woman asked if council could pass a bylaw creating a wind tur- bine setback of 1,000 metres from residences to let the *province know Huron East doesn't think wind tur- bines are healthy so close ,to local residents. "It would be just to make a point. We need you to. be our voice," she said. But, Clerk - Administrator Jack McLachlan pointed out that creating that by- law would take longer than put- ting an interim control bylaw in place. Council passed a motion to seek legal advice on the wind energy projects. McLachlan said he was also trying to set up a meeting with CASA Engineering and Construction. "They said they will meet with council but they don't want to be abused. Another thing we could do is a conference call," he said. Tu kersmith Coun. Larry McGrath said he's like to see both sides at the table. "I think it could be controlled," he said. - "The people here tonight can't have their questions answered. The only thing they want is that it not happen. I don't know how you do it and have a reasonable dialogue," responded Blaney. McKillop Coun. Bill Siemon said the issue is splitting the community and it's going to get worse." Seili agreed saying that a member of Ashfield-Colbourne-Wawanosh council told him it would be better for the community if they'd never seen the wind turbines. "This is No. 1 agricultural land. They're saying we can't take it out of roduction but they Y want windmills here to supply the cities. They should build them in the cities," he said. ind Fa rm Blessing or Curse? Get the facts at a PUBLIC MEETING Featuring presentations by some of Ontario's foremost experts on wind energy and the victims of short- sighted wind energy policy. Seaforth Community Centre Thursday June 18th, 8:00pm Presented by Concerned Citizens of Huron East Against Turbines (HEAT) www.heatont.blogspot.com S.0 I HURON PERTH HEALTHCARE ALLIANCE NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETINGS Clinton Public Hospital St. Marys Memori Ill Hospital Seaforth Community Hospital Stratford General Hospital NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meetings of the Members of Clinton Public Hospital, St. Marys Memorial Ilospital, Seaforth Community Hospital and Stratford General Ilospital will be held at the Mitchell Golf and Country Club in Mitchell, Ontario, on: Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. to: Receive a Report on the past year's activities of the Board of Directors, as well as a look to the future for the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance. The Financial Statements, together with the Auditor's Report will also be received. The Financial Statements will be available after June 13th on the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance website - www.hpha.ca - Reports. Appoint Auditors. Receive the Ad Hoc Nominating Committee Report on New Directors. Members who paid their annual fees in 'full at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the meeting shall be entitled to vote. Members of the public are welcome to attend.