Statement from Minister of the Environment John Wilkinson Regarding Kent Breeze Wind Farm Renewable Energy Approval
“I am pleased that the Environmental Review Tribunal has upheld our approval and ruled that this project can be operated in a way that is fully protective of public health and the surrounding community.
Our Renewable Energy Approval process is all about ensuring that clean energy projects are developed safely and in full consultation with the public. We’re committed to phasing out dirty, coal-fired electricity, creating clean jobs and providing cleaner air for our children to breathe.
The Tribunal’s decision is consistent with the findings of the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health – Dr. Arlene King – who reported that there is no direct causal link between wind turbine noise and health effects.
In March 2011, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice also ruled in favour of the province’s renewable energy framework. It noted the regulation was developed after full public consultation, consideration of the views of interested parties and science-based evidence. This included relevant medical reports and the opinions of acoustical engineering experts.
Ontario’s standards for renewable energy projects are based on leading science. We have one of the most stringent regulated setbacks for wind turbines in North America.
Shifting to cleaner energy sources will protect and improve our environment and our health. We won’t allow any project to proceed unless it can be built and operated in a way that is fully protective of local communities.”
