A spokesperson for Northland Power, whose Grand Bend wind power project can now proceed following decision in an appeal, told a London Free Pressreporter that “One would think the people opposed would lose their appetite for this fight, but they haven’t yet.”
Indeed not. And 2015 will be more of the same as almost every wind power project in Ontario has been appealed, and several are headed for judicial review. Plus, countless private individuals have lodged or plan to take legal actions related to noise nuisance and property value loss.
The truth will stand, eventually.
Here’s a look back in pictures at the year that was.
Parker Gallant (R) on the Dale Goldhawk consumer radio show for one hour on the $16-million Christmas Day power giveaway in Ontario. Wind Concerns Ontario documented the millions lost over 2014 through Ontario’s mismanaged energy sectorJulian Falconer represented four families in a legal challenge; while many points about the appeal process were made, the appeal was lostLawyer Eric Gillespie continues to represent Ontario communities and appeals against wind power projects; more to comeAuditor General Lysyk becomes the 2nd A G in a row to lambaste the Ontario government for its incompetence in the energy file, and wasted money on green energyTransport Canada bends to pressure from Big Wind and rescinds order to remove Chatham-Kent wind turbines for safety. (2015 is an election year!)Invenergy pulls out of Listowel-area wind projectHealth Canada releases non-peer-reviewed summary of noise and health study; shows that 16.5% of people within 1 km of turbines experience distress. Media misses this. (2015 is an election year!)Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli tries to explain that Ontario’s electricity bill increases are insignificant, thereby demonstrating his opinion of the intelligence of Ontario citizensTwo wind power projects are approved for Ontario’s world-famous Algoma region, showing the Ontario government has no regard for the environment, whatsoeverNone so blind as those who will not see. Or listen. Toronto-based Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne ignores rural and small-town communities. New procurement process for large-scale power projects still does not allow municipalities to say “No” to Big Wind.Rallies and protests continue throughout the province; this one to Save the Nor’WestersDr Robert McMurtry, officer of the Order of Canada, publishes a case definition for adverse health effects associated with wind turbine noise, with health researcher Carmen Krogh87 communities have now passed Not A Willing Host resolutionsFund-raising events occur throughout the province: here Stephana Johnston attends a supper for SWEAR and the Drennan caseOne of Tim Hudak’s election promises was to end the Green Energy Act and enact new regulations; the PCs lose the election for various reasons, disappointing rural/small-town Ontario. The Liberals win a majority and vow to continue their (money-losing) green energy policies.Sun Media’s Down Wind doc film with Rebecca Thompson attracts $30,000 in crowd-funding in daysThe Blandings Turtle is in and out of court as Prince Edward County citizens fight the Ontario Ministry of the Environment to save the environment. CanWEA lawyer announces in Toronto court that no appeal was ever supposed to be successful, and the Environmental Review Tribunal needs “direction” so a successful appeal never happens again.Drs Ian Arra and Hazel Lynn publish a review that says there is evidence of an association between wind turbine noise and distressAfter taking on Big Wind for years and NextEra in specific, members of the Wrightman family of Middlesex-Lambton decamp to Nova Scotia (but continue to fight)Big Wind continues its indoctrination of schoolchildren with support of the Ontario government. In this case, distribution of the T-shirts was halted when parents complainedOntario communities fight against the Big Wind “scam”: wind power cannot deliver on its promises of reducing GHGs, creating jobs, protecting the environment
Ottawa Wind Concerns 