Court upholds current wind turbine setbacks

Ontario wind turbine setbacks followed public consultation, SEV review, and health and safety science, say courts and CanWEA, with peer-reviewed evidence, green energy policy, and compliance requirements guiding Ontario renewable development.

The wind energy industry in Ontario is pleased with the Ontario Divisional Court decision to uphold the current regulations for wind turbine setbacks.

The application by Ontario resident Ian Hanna suggested, among other things, that the government did not adhere to their own Statement of Environmental Values SEV in developing a setback of 550 metres for the siting of wind turbines to address noise complaints from nearby communities.

The Court in the case ruled that setback distances were established through an extensive public consultation process which considered the views of a wide range of stakeholders and that the Minister did consider the SEV.

"The wind energy industry is committed to the responsible and sustainable development of wind energy in Ontario and across the country. We have stated from the outset that this application had no merit and should not have been brought before the court," said Robert Hornung, president of CanWEA. "Ontario's set-back regulations are among the most stringent in the world and are designed to protect the health and safety of the public. CanWEA member companies ensure they are in compliance with all regulatory requirements."

The balance of expert scientific and medical information to date clearly indicates there is no direct link between wind turbines and effects on human health, said Hornung. This is backed, he points out, by the province's Chief Medical Officer of Health as well as the National Public Health Institute in Quebec, and a growing body of peer-reviewed scientific and medical information.

"As a responsible industry, we will continue to receive and review new and credible information, including on health concerns over wind in communities, as it is made available," said Hornung.

Wind energy's growing contribution to Ontario's electricity supply is making Ontario a leader in green energy production, as the province sticks to wind policy amid ongoing debates, and bringing much-needed jobs and economic opportunities to local communities.

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