Those parties became the subject of the Premier’s ire as he gave a speech to a mixed crowd of businessmen and media in London on his Green Energy Act. The media audience included the Canadian Press: “We are going to find a way through this new legislation to make it perfectly clear that NIMBYism (Not in my backyard) will no longer prevail.”
The comments were made in response to two situations existing in London and Toronto where new energy projects are being attempted with strong opposition.
Proposed London Ontario Biogas Project
A power generation company has applied to the city to change zoning to allow a biogas facility located next door to an indoor soccer facility. London’s city council has decided to further study the matter. According to the London Free Press one councilor compared the idea to the Hindenburg explosion in 1937, or the more recent explosion at Sunrise propane in Toronto.
McGuinty plans to make it easier for companies to “navigate the approval process.” He allowed there were safety concerns over this particular project, and made it clear his government intends to speed the process to plug those alternate forms of energy into the provincial grid.
He stressed his new legislation will take into account environmental and safety concerns. According to the Canadian Press he remarked: “I want to make it clear our new law will uphold safety and environmental standards. But once those standards have been met, we intend to assert the greater public interest in clean, green, electricity and the jobs that come with it.” The audience was impressed with his no nonsense attitude.
Toronto Hydro Wind Turbines Project
Toronto Hydro is purposing to place 60 wind turbines 2-4 km’s off shore on Lake Ontario near the eastern edge of the Scarborough Bluffs. The project will create up to 200 megawatts of electricity, enough to power up to 300 homes.Residents are concerned about how wind turbine noise affects human beings, specifically in the form of wind turbine syndrome.
In an interview with the Toronto Star, activist John Laforet addressed the issue, criticizing supporters of the turbine project saying they don’t believe in the condition because there’s been nothing said about it in scientific journals.
Other area resident’s have no problem with alternate forms of energy, but are unsure the project is planned for the right place. “Toronto is so eager to create green power, but at residents’ expense.” Cheryl Robertson commented to the Toronto Star. Robertson’s son suffers from migraine headaches
McGuinty is hoping the need to create jobs will override opposition to the Clean Energy Act. His Liberal government will introduce the legislation when the house begins its winter session.
