Coun. Dick Killam says municipalities and the province need to do more research before allowing wind farms into rural communities.

 

Most councillors agreed that there has been overwhelming opposition from the community.

 

Residents argue the social and economic costs of wind power, along with the potential risks, outweigh the benefits.

 

They cite noise, health and safety impacts and the lowering of property values as possible downfalls.

 

The province now must approve the county's decision to cancel the bylaw, which was developed last year after a three-year planning process that included public meetings.

 

Meanwhile, Anaia Global Renewable Energies is planning 17 to 25 wind turbines that will generate 45 to 50 megawatts of power in the Wedgeport area.

 

The issue of setbacks was a major topic of discussion at a recent Committee of the Whole meeting. 

 

Many councillors felt that one thousand metres should be the required distance between a wind turbine and a permanent residence.

 

Argyle's Planning Advisory Committee is currently conducting a review of the proposal.

The project will be located near the Black Pond Road. 

 

The company has applied to the province for environmental approvals and is hoping to get the green light by September.

 

If that happens Anaia would like to begin work on the 100 million dollar project in October.