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Wolfe Island Wind Farm Liaison Group to Ensure Two-way Flow of Information

The OMB decision (Oct./07minutes of settlement) regarding CREC, Canadian Hydro Developers Wolfe Island Wind Farm included a recommendation that CREC is to participate in a Community Liaison Group. The Group is to provide a forum for community comments, suggestions and complaints, if any, between the participants and to increase awareness of facts and issues as perceived by each group. If a dispute arises which the parties cannot resolve 3rd party mediation may be required to find a constructive solution. That recommendation was the basis for a recent community meeting sponsored by WIRE (WI residents for the environment) and very ably chaired by Peggy Smith along with CREC’s Mike Jablonicky, Manager of the Wind Project.

Smith said that it was time examine the make up of the Liaison committee and that to bring the community together to break down barriers that have developed. ”Sometimes discussing the wind power project at any public forum, can become a heated debate for and against but the idea tonite is to begin to talk as a community and to start to create a venue where it will be comfortable for every one to bring their concerns,”she said. She spoke of the number of government agencies, the level of frustatrion and anxiety in getting answers to questions and the importance of having Jablonicky on the committee. “It will not be a forum for complaints about the project in general, your legal rights, entitlement, etc. Those belong elsewhere,” she said. “The purpose is to address the broadbased questions and to get answers.“ Immediate concerns include hours of work and dudt control during road construction. She also spoke to the issue of mediation and the legal ramifications, who pays etc.

Smith said they had tried the committee format earlier with Sarah McDemott, Lynne Moore and Jason Pyke but it was her recommendation that there should be a fresh slate because the committee was seen as having two sides, for and against the project. The members will step down. Jason Pyke wondered about the need for the committee with Jablonicky now available. “Mike is the best of both worlds ,” he said. Smith said the Community Liaison group is a venue for everyone.
Mike Jablonicky said CREC “has an open door policy at our island location. I am anxious to work with committee and satisfy concerns and answer questions as they arise.” He noted: Project Operational hours will be Mon.-Sat. 7am- 7 pm. No construction Sunday’s. Working past 7 pm will not be the norm. Dust control: contractor to water (only) down roads regularly. Speed Limit of 30- 40 km will be enforced using a radar gun.(safety a major concern). All materials will arrive at Dawson Point. There will be a two barge system, (one will bring turbines only, the other, workers, trucks etc). two slips, (one at Kingston, another developed at Dawson Point), WI ferry use will be for a short time only, late night , off hours, always available for emergency ambulance calls. Kingston side parking lot will not be for use by project workers.

Comments –questions- concerns that arose: Communication –How? What about Press biasis? Is the group back door to an environmental review? What about delays? Is committee representative of whole community? Why no Council representation? Traffic, line up’s, ferry concerns? Dispute Resolution protocol by council? Environmental issues? Size of project? Industrial model? The role of the cmmittee in the community.

While the meeting was a good first step, it was obvious that anxiety, unease and doubt still remains for those who want the project to proceed and those who want changes. Volunteering for new Liaison Group were Ken White, Barbara Springay, Ruth Woodman, Leanne Cunningham and Chris Brown who will meet in the coming week. They will determine number of meetings, define their objectives and draft a protocol for proceeding, etc. In the mean time call Mike 613-217-7459. Dawn Wallace volunteered multi media services to the committee.
The meeting continued as Ms. Smith, not in her capacity as a lawyer, but based on her procedural knowledge, outlined the wind power project process to date, what has been achieved, outstanding issues, pre construction, appeal process, judicial review, federal process, panel review etc.
(Please note the headline in the June 16th Heritage stated that Canadian Hydro had requested a deferment of the zoning bylaw amendment applications while they detemine whether they will be withdrawn all together.)

Around Town:1. A Gift for the Island. The Wolfe Island Volunteer Fire Department has added another Fire Truck to its fleet. The 1977 American La France was a gift from Bill Boulter owner of Hichcock House. Bill from Webster New York where he is a member of the local Fire Committee bought and refurbished the truck as a gift for Wolfe Island. WI Fire Chief James White met Bill at the International Bridge recently and together they brought vehicle home to Wolfe Island. Clapping and cheers greeted them with siren blaring, driving off the ferry to the Town Hall where Bill formally presented the keys for the vehicle to Chief White. A gracious gift and a great day for the Volunteer Fire Department.
2. The Mosier and Kane famies wish to thank everyone who participated in the 5th annual Kane-Mosier Golf Tournament at the Riverfront Golf Course. The Wolfe Island recreation committee will receive the proceeds from the event.
3. Plans are underway to celebrate the 150 Anniversary of the Village of Marysville on Sat. August 23rd beginning at 11 am with a parade. The community and the many island groups are invited to participate, prepare floats, dress in the 1858 clothing of the day, attend events, enter hat contests, win prizes, attend a barbecue, dance at St. Margaret’s Hall, walking tours, children’s events, market, and so much more. For information and to participate call: Victoria Stewart: 613-385-2934.
4. Interesting to note that singer Sarah Harmer co-hosted a show with island resident Sarah McDermott about the WI Wind Project on CFRC Radio. A Whig article quotes Harmer as saying critics are not opposed to the project but want it downsized (15 towers) in northwest section of the island (environment, birds).
5. July 5th (Town Hall) 10 am Registration for Family Ball Tournament
6. WI Classic Road Race Sunday, July 6th. Island Market the same day. For a list of Wolfe Island events: www.wolfeisland.com