The debate about wind turbines continues in Saugeen Shores.
The bylaw addresses health and safety concerns related to the location and erection of wind turbines and is very similar to a recent bylaw passed in Arran Elderslie based on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The bylaw was presented last night for informational purposes only and while no vote was held, council still discussed its merits.
Deputy Mayor Doug Freiburger is eager to see the bylaw passed and believes it will send a message to Queen’s Park that council wants control of their municipality given back.
Vice Deputy Mayor Doug Gowanlock wants to take more time to look at the bylaw.
Gowanlock doesn’t want to get into a situation where the municipality is fighting a legal battle, but at the same time he recognizes that council is the last place people can come to say they’re not happy with what their provincial representatives have done.
Councillor Luke Charbonneau wants assurance that this bylaw is going to be enforceable.
Charbonneau says he can’t support something that will cost a lot of time and money without getting anything done.
Councillor Thead Seaman is also concerned about passing a bylaw that the municipality may have to support in a court case.
He says Saugeen Shores doesn’t have deep enough pockets to fight the province.
And Mayor Mike Smith says he hasn’t made up his mind about the bylaw yet but he is frustrated that the province has put them in this position.
It was standing room only in the council chambers with about 50 people listening to the debate and applauding councillors who spoke in support of the bylaw.
But council also heard from resident Jason Van Geel, owner of Carlsun Energy Solutions, who gave a deputation in support of wind energy and the positive impact it can have on the local economy.
Council is receiving legal opinion on the bylaw and along with other municipalities is also requesting a meeting with provincial ministers at the AMO conference this August to discuss the issue.
