 |
| Home | The Proposal | FAQs | Links | Contact Us |
| Upcoming Events | Make a Donation |
 |
The Niagara Escarpment "Wind is a renewable resource...our Niagara Escarpment landscape isn't." Many people, when they first hear or learn of the proposed “Blue Highlands” project, react by posing the question “What about protection for the Niagara Escarpment?”. The Blue Highlands Citizens Coalition agrees with the thought behind that question. To us it is counterintuitive that after decades of protection for the Niagara Escarpment (as provided for by Ontario law in the Niagara Escarpment Development and Protection Act ), the Niagara Escarpment, or lands in immediate proximity to the Escarpment, could suddenly be the subject of a development proposal involving the erection of a significant number of +400 foot structures, the construction of a significant number of access roads, watercourse disruption, tree-clearing and the construction of required transfer stations and other required infrastructure. This is particularly the case when significant portions of the proposed project area (including the top of Blue Mountain and portions of the ridges of the Pretty River Valley ) are in a relatively well-preserved, undeveloped state. Indeed, public ownership of much of the land in the immediate vicinity of the proposed “Blue Highlands” wind power generation facility, including the Pretty River Provincial Park itself, is the result of decades of land acquisition in our community by the Ministry of Natural Resources and other regulatory authorities for the purpose of maintaining open space Escarpment lands, “natural state” provincial parks and lands, managed forests and access to the Bruce Trail. The Niagara Escarpment Commission is currently in the process of developing a policy on wind power development on lands which are subject to the Niagara Escarpment Plan. The Blue Highlands Citizens Coalition has carefully considered this issue and, in an effort to assist the NEC in the development of a sound and responsible policy, made submissions to the NEC during the public comment period which expired on December 31, 2003 . A copy of our submission to the NEC is available by clicking here. The Blue Highlands Citizens Coalition is very concerned about the attempts by Brascan/SWEI to have large-scale, commercial wind turbines permitted on lands which are subject to the Niagara Escarpment Plan. A copy of the Brascan/SWEI submission to the NEC regarding the NEC's draft wind power policy is available by clicking here. Interestingly, and notwithstanding its professed commitment to address local resident concerns regarding turbine installations in close proximity to the brow of the Niagara Escarpment, Branscan/SWEI has suggested that “areas in close proximity to the Escarpment brow might be designated with a setback” and that “SWEI agrees that a 100 ft. setback is achievable”. (See top of page 4 of the Brascan/SWEI submisssion to the NEC). While the Blue Highlands Citizens Coalition is adamantly opposed to large-scale commercial turbine installations on Niagara Escarpment lands in the Blue Mountain/Pretty River Valley/Beaver Valley area, we are supportive of appropriate “small wind” installations by individual property owners and community groups. This position is outlined in greater detail in our submission to the NEC, as referred to above, and elsewhere on this website. We are enthused by the possibility of appropriately-sited “small wind” systems in our community, whether subject to the jurisdiction of the Niagara Escarpment Commission, the Town of the Blue Mountains or the Municipality of Grey Highlands. Copyright, The Blue Highlands Citizens Coalition, 2004. All rights reserved.
|