Residents of Kings County, NS back large-scale wind farms
7/28/2010KENTVILLE, NS] — Large-scale wind farms could be on the horizon in Kings County if county council follows through with policy plans now under consideration.
The county allows small-scale wind turbines, up to 75 feet in height generating up to 100 kilowatts. Such turbines can provide electrical capacity for a few local homes or a business, such as a farm. Large-scale wind turbines, utility-scale, are usually installed by wind generation companies in groupings of 10 or more to generate power for a main power grid for wider consumption.
At recent public meetings in Aylesford and Canning, hosted by municipal council, residents who came out were generally supportive of the move to develop a new source of local power. Some even suggested it has taken the county far too long to “get in the game” of developing wind power.
“Why has it taken so long for Kings County to begin to act on this topic?” asked Heather Stevens.
Kings County councillors Diana Brothers and Wayne Atwater defended the county’s timetable, explaining rules governing wind turbine development fall under municipal jurisdiction and a lack of provincial policies on the subject means municipalities must do their own leg work.
“The positive thing is, we are in the process now,” responded Brothers.
Atwater said carefully researching the issue and going out to the public is an important part of the process.
“We all want to do it the right way,” added Atwater.
At the public participation meeting, planner Leanne Chisholm listed the benefits of large-scale wind turbines as a way to reduce the county’s carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels. There are economic benefits as well, as landowners in areas designated as suitable for large-scale equipment could lease land to development companies. The county’s tax base would also be positively affected. Alternatively, turbine noise, safety, environmental concerns and aesthetics are some drawbacks.
“Some people see them as beautiful; some see them as an eyesore,” noted Chisholm prior to reviewing the county’s four options for allowing wind farm development.
Most areas along the Fundy Shore from Morden to Scots Bay and in the Gaspereau Lake area have consistent wind speeds required for wind farm development.
Option A would see the county allow wind turbines through a streamlined process, guided by set standards. This may be achieved by as-of-right permitting, or through site plan approval. Option B would require development applications to go through a site-specific approval process, such as a rezoning. A third option is a combination of A and B. The county could also decide to maintain the status quo: no allowances for large-scale turbines.
Fundy shore resident David Lacey spoke against adopting option B, claiming it would “add a level of complexity not conducive to the set-up process.
“If it is too difficult for developers of wind farms to do business here. They will turn their backs on us. If they do, shame on us.”
Lacey, who owns property along the shoreline in an area where wind conditions are suitable for wind farm development, implored council not to “get bogged down in option B. Nothing will happen quickly with that.”
With units costing millions of dollars to build and erect, he said developers don’t want to be caught up in red tape.
Planning staff will likely make a recommendation on the issue this summer and a public hearing will follow in the fall.
(Transcontinental Media)
