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North Gower wind farm battle nixed for now
By Tom Collins NORTH GOWER The North Gower wind farm battle may be over as the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) didnt “qualify” the developers of a proposed 10-turbine plan on farmland south of urban Ottawa. At the beginning of November, the OPA released its list of companies allowed to build turbines in Ontario. Prowinds North Gower project wasnt on the list, although the OPA declined to say why. “If the developers name is not on the list of qualified applicants, they have not qualified for the first round of the Large Renewable Procurement,” said OPA media relations specialist John Cannella. “Applicants were chosen based on their ability to meet a set of mandatory requirements focused on past development experience and financial capability.” The German-based Prowind planned to build seven wind projects in Ontario and operates the 10-turbine project that began generating power earlier this year at Brinston, between Kemptville and Winchester. Canella said that companies could apply again in future rounds of procurements. In Ontario, there are now 86 of more than 400 municipalities that have declared themselves as an unwilling host to wind turbines. Ottawa city Coun. Scott Moffatt investigated that option for Ottawa but said the designation was simply ceremonial. Eastern Ontario has two operating wind power projects, one at Brinston and on Wolfe Island, a short ferry ride from downtown Kingston. |
