One of 20 lakes in the proposed site. Photo based on developer's plans
A massive wind energy development (48 industrial sized turbines) is planned for 2500 hectares of pristine, forested wilderness region (with 20 lakes), adjacent to the border of Algonquin Park near the East Gate (click above on MAPS)
On October 16th, 2008, to protect this region, the local town council unanimously imposed a ten year moratorium on wind energy developments in South Algonquin Township.
However, the proposed Whitney Wind Farm Project would be sited entirely on Crown Land, managed by the Province of Ontario. Queen's Park has expressed disappointment in Council's decision. As a result, the developer (RES Canada Inc) remains committed to the project and is proceeding with its process.
Show your support for the local government and its wise and insightful moratorium - which is intended to prevent the Ontario Provincial government from rushing into a massive Industrial development (48 turbines) that would industrialize this natural wilderness region forever. Please click on the Sign our petition tab at the top of this page. There are petitions for BOTH residents of the area and visitors to South Algonquin.
We the visitors and residents of South Algonquin are in favour of renewable energy. But the decision to build a wind farm in this area is too important to make a hasty decision. We are asking the Ontario Government and RES Canada to respect and honour the township's 10 year moratorium so that when a decision is made, it is the correct decision. A 10 year moratorium is necessary to study and assess the impact of this huge project, based on these facts:
• this project is located adjacent toAlqonquin Provincial Park and the Upper Madawaska River Provincial Park, and therefore threatens the integrity of both these natural and protected areas.
• The proposed site is mostly undeveloped wilderness of dense forests and uninhabited lakes.
• The site is a habitat to many species of wildlife (including the endangered Eastern Wolf).
• This proposed industrial facility would have an adverse affect on South Algonquin township's main industry of tourism and recreation which relies heavily on the natural beauty of this area .
• This projects would result in a major industrial facility that would require an infrastructure (roads, gravel pits, trenches, clearcut areas for turbines, cement foundations) that would transform this wilderness for generations to come.
"...wind farms, like any development, need to be sited properly and appropriately placed in areas where they can have the greatest positive effect with the smallest environmental footprint. After all, the whole point of clean energy is to reduce our environmental burden, not make it worse."
