The Municipality of Shelburne is maintaining support for renewable energy projects, as a major wind-farm proposal looks to move ahead in the region.
At Wednesday night’s council meeting, many opposed to the potential Sandy Point Wind project held signs outside the municipal building, hoping council would withdraw a letter of support written to the province.
Community members are upset at what they call a ‘lack of consultation’ on the project, and want to see the process restarted with more chances for public input.
Warden Penny Smith says the letter is of support in principle of renewable energy.
“And all proposed projects including Sandy Point, are further subject to applicable federal, provincial and municipal by-laws. Support does not mean approval,” says Smith.
Smith points to three regulatory approval milestones the project needs to meet, including submitting a tender to the province, a year long environmental assessment, and approval of the plan by the municipal development officer.
She says the province is in a climate crisis, and society’s dependence on fossil fuels is not sustainable.
Smith added, there will be further opportunity for public consultation.
“There is community consultation through the environmental assessment, and the ability to provide questions, comments and concerns to the proponent during the request for proposals stage as well.”
ABO Wind and Community Wind Farms is looking to install several wind turbines in Sandy Point, but many neighbouring property owners say they haven’t been consulted.
