New wind turbines planned for Eastern Ontario

AMHERST ISLAND — There is only one wind power project in Eastern Ontario that is selling power to the Ontario Power Authority and that’s on Wolfe Island, a short ferry ride from downtown Kingston. But there are 16 more contracts that have been awarded and at least one new project is underway.

Amherst Island is just west of Wolfe Island where many farmers there have signed deals to have turbines on their properties. Much of the area has already been plowed for roadways for 40 turbines. Amherst Island sheep farmer Dave Willard said Algonquin Power will build two wind turbines at the back of his Amherst island property. "Easily 90 per cent of traditional island families are in favour of this project," Willard said. He added that the island is 12 miles long by 3 miles wide (19 km by 5 km) and has a population of about 400.

Another project could see 130 wind turbines off-shore, though not out of sight, for some residents of Wolfe and Amherst Islands. The province said last February that it would not proceed with offshore wind developments until further scientific research is carried out. But with the provincial election behind us, that remains to be seen. Windstream announced Jan. 4 it had struck a deal in which Siemens Canada will manufacture the turbine blades for the 300-megawatt offshore wind power project on Lake Ontario. It would be Canada’s first off-shore wind project and would see the wind turbines located between five and 16 kilometres off the southwest shore of Wolfe Island, a Windstream spokesperson said.

Willard, who lives on Amherst island’s south side, has an impressive view of the Wolfe Island turbines and an expansive view of Lake Ontario. He said the Windstream project would be miles away but located directly in front of his property and he’ll be able to see the turbines on the water. "This announcement is very encouraging," he said. "I never minded the look of them."

The Eastern Ontario islands have been abuzz with wind power excitement for at least five years. However, not everyone is happy. The 86 wind turbines on Wolfe Island have been up and running for almost three years. In a Farmers Forum survey of 200 Wolfe Island residents (island pop. 1,400) last year, we found that the turbines increased friction among island residents.

A small but loud protest group has now emerged on Amherst Island. Farther west on the island of Prince Edward County, two wind projects died and a third, by Gilead Power, is still being reviewed. That project would erect nine turbines on the island’s southside and would provide enough energy to power 5,600 homes.

The most common arguments against wind turbines are that they ruin the view, kill birds and the noise causes headaches and other illnesses. Two other eastern Ontario projects are still waiting for the green light to start building. A project east of Richmond, south of Ottawa, would include 8 to 10 turbines. A project at Brinston, south of Winchester, would include up to about 14 wind turbines.

"Ontario has more than 1,000 wind turbines online," said Ontario Power Authority communications officer Mary Benard. "In 2003, there were only 10 turbines."

The Ontario Power Authority "has awarded 17 contracts for wind in this region of the province," she said.