Bruce Beach Cottagers' Association

Dear Bruce Beachers,

There has been a significant amount of information being disseminated by various sources regarding the implementation of Wind Turbines West of Highway 21 and in Lake Huron between Goderich and Port Elgin. The Bruce Beach Executive would like to provide information to Bruce Beachers that we have obtained over the last several weeks to make sure all of the Cottagers are updated on the most recent developments regarding the Wind Turbines.

The Bruce Beach Executive has not taken a position regarding the Wind Turbines on whether we agree with their implementation or disagree with their implementation West of Highway 21 or in Lake Huron. Rather, we disapprove of the political process by the Government of Ontario and their Ministries as well as the Local MPP, Carol Mitchell, regarding the lack of public notice and consultation for the Wind Turbines projects. The Government should be notifying the public so meaningful dialogue can take place regarding the Wind Turbines and their effect on people's health, Huron Kinloss' economy, tourism, property values, environment, and cultural heritage. We also believe it is crucial that meaningful public participation should occur on a lake wide basis for all off shore proposals on Lake Huron.

Below is a synopsis of the most recent developments regarding the Wind Turbines (for more detailed information on the below topics please refer to the Bruce Beach web site http://brucebeach.ca/):

• The Green Energy Act which promotes wind energy supercedes all local Township zoning regulations including the Township of Huron Kinloss' authority (see attached "Green Energy Act Bill 150a").
• The Green Energy Act actually takes away planning authority from publicly elected municipal governments such as Huron Kinloss for Wind Farm regulation.
• The Bluewater Wind Farm proposal, to be installed by the International Power Company (IPC), is for 50 wind turbines, 18 of which are between Hwy. 21 and Lake Range Road (see attached "Bluewater_Wind_farm_Project1").
• The Bluewater Wind Farm setbacks from residences will be 550 meters, which has been vehemently opposed by Lake Range Road residents (who have organized into the group HALT - Huron Kinloss Against Lakeside Turbines) and who are asking for 1200 meter setbacks or greater.
• The potential Wind Turbine farm applications for Point Clark and Kincardine are documented at the following Ministry of Natural Resources web site (http://www.lio.ontario.ca/imf-ows/imf.jsp?site=renew_en) - please see attached map "Kincardine_Wind_turbines_Applications" for locations of potential Lake Huron Offshore Wind Farms.
• Three wind/energy companies have applied to build twelve offshore wind farms along the Port Albert to Kincardine shoreline.
• The wind/energy applications were received by the Government in 2008, so the regulatory framework attached to offshore wind farm development has not been fully developed.
• The Ontario Government will not release the name of the three wind energy companies who have submitted the twelve offshore wind farm applications stating that a regulatory framework to evaluate the applications has not been developed.
• Ontario’s Environment Ministry has a proposed a five-kilometre wind farm buffer along the Lake Huron lakeshore for Wind Turbines but wind energy company applications have been submitted with set backs as close as 50 meters to the shore.

If your wish to voice your concerns regarding the the proposed offshore Lake Huron wind farm applications, here are two critical time frames you need to be aware of below. If you wish to respond please realize time is of the essence.

• August 24, 2010 - deadline to submit comments regarding the Renewable Energy Approval Requirements for Off-shore Wind Facilities - go the the Environmental Registry web site at (www.ebr.gov.on.ca) and enter 011-0089 in the registry field number.
• October 4, 2010 - deadline to submit comments on Offshore Windpower: Consideration of Additional Areas to be Removed from Future Development - go the the Environmental Registry website at (www.ebr.gov.on.ca) and enter 011-0907 in the registry field number The Bruce Beach Executive will continue to update the Beach regarding the developments for the Wind Farms West of Lake Range Road and offshore in Lake Huron. We will be sending out a Wind Farm update survey on-line on the Bruce Beach web-site as well as door-to-door to understand the Beach's position by cottage regarding Wind Farms, both along Highway 21 and offshore in Lake Huron. 

Respectfully yours,
David Tiernan
President
Bruce Beach Cottagers Association

email: tiernanfam@aol.com
Mobile: 248-330-4151 (best number to reach me)
Cottage: 519-396-6668

Renewable Energy Approval Requirements for Off-shore Wind Facilities

The review period started June 25th, 2010 and comments must be submitted by August 24th. 2010. The government is trying to propose this legislation without minimal public input and proper notice but has posted a notice on a website that most people are not aware of. To view this document go to The Environmental Registry website (www.ebr.gov.on.ca) and enter 011-0089 in the registry number field. If you wish your comments to be considered time is of the essence. Please send your comments the The Environmental Website before the August 24th deadline

Offshore Windpower: Consideration of Additional Areas to be Removed from Future Development

The Ministry of Natural Resources is inviting comment through an Environmental Registry posting on potential offshore areas and criteria that should be taken into consideration which may constrain future development as part of the Crown land application process. Further information on the posting is available at the Environmental Registry and search 011-0907. Comments are being accepted until October 4, 2010.