WIND CONCERNS ONTARIO ANNUAL MEETING
Wind Concerns Ontario held its first annual general meeting Sunday
November, 22 in Orillia, Ontario. Over 75 members and group leaders
from 42 counties and municipalities were welcomed by Wind Concerns
Ontario president John Laforet. Mr. Laforet paid tribute to the amount
accomplished by the coalition since established on October 25, 2008.
All who attended the full day session heard a presentation by Eric
Gillespie, lawyer for Prince Edward County farmer Ian Hanna. Mr.
Gillespie spoke about Mr. Hanna's Application for Judicial Review of
the Green Energy Act as it applies to industrial wind turbines. With
the large amount of evidence amassed for this case based on the
Precautionary Principle there is a strong belief that the courts will
approve this review.
Following that presentation, Ian Hanna gave a moving and powerful talk
on his commitment to the court battle. Hanna's emotionally charged
comments were a stirring example of the forthright people who have
come to represent the cause we have undertaken.
Part two of the day's events began with a presentation by
communications director Beth Harrington who spoke about the 'new way
forward' for the WCO campaign. Highlights included were the branding
of Wind Concerns Ontario as an advocacy group. Harrington declared
that it was time to stop being labeled by others in a negative light.
"We are advocating for something, fighting for the health, safety and
quality of life of the people of Ontario from industrial wind
turbines. This is the vision." It was also established at
www.windconcernsontario.org must be the "go to" website for
science-based information and help for community wind action
organizations.
The presentation outlined strategies through which WCO would operate
in the future with a strong team structure supporting other various
topics of focus such as impacts on environment, economics, education
and property values. All areas are accountable to the vision as set
forth.
Finally the request was made to the attendees and their members to add
their talents to the roster of teams. No contribution would be
considered too small.
See below for Meeting Notes of November 22
Meeting Notes: Wind Concerns Ontario
First Annual Meeting, November 22, 2009
Warminster, Ontario
Chaired by Beth Harrington
There were 75+ in attendance for the first annual meeting of Wind
Concerns Ontario. People from all walks of life who are currently
affected by or who are facing the threat of industrial wind
installations sited near their homes and communities, came together to
move forward on this issue as a united front.
1. Legal Action (Legal Package available)
Lawyer Eric Gillespie gave an outline about the Ian Hanna legal action
being taken regarding the Green Energy Act and Regulations.
Points are:
a.. The action applies for a judicial review of the GEA and Regulations
b.. It challenges the GEA and speculative Regulations and setbacks
c.. The health claim has to be under 1 individual who represents the
people of Ontario
d.. The application is only against the government
e.. It is founded on one concept - the precautionary principle
f.. The basis the precautionary principle is where there is
scientific uncertainty you should not proceed until it is resolved
g.. The precautionary principle is recognized by the Supreme Court
of Canada, Canadian and International law, and through policies of the
Government of Ontario
h.. Evidence is being finalized which will be served to the government soon
i.. This claim is controversial in some legal circles but this is
being resolved and there is a unique opportunity to change the law in
Ontario
j.. The action is to stop new development but this will benefit the
existing developments once the action is won
k.. The strategy includes preparing for an appeal if it is needed
Further discussion followed through Q&A:
a.. Re Applying an Injunction: Applying of an injunction is a last
resort. However, some may try to get one until the precautionary
principle suit is decided.
b.. Re Interim Control By-law: Some are proposing an interim control
bylaw which temporarily delays the project. Now with the GEA and
Regulations, the projects may still proceed.
c.. Damages: The undertaking of receiving damages is challenging. If
turbines are shut down, will this result in loss of revenue? If the
turbines are not shut down, what are the damages? These are
challenging issues to deal with. Serious and irreparable harm is a
challenging situation as this cannot be compensated for by money
d.. Mr. Gillespie works cooperatively with other lawyers and offered
to provide advice and consultation to assist with strategies
e.. Incorporating groups is a good idea as gives liability
protection for property/assests but not health issues
f.. Those contributing to the legal fund are assured there is no
risk of liability regarding the legal action
2. Ian Hanna
Ian made a passionate commitment that he and his wife are in for the
long haul. He has offered to represent all Ontarians on this legal
action. It was obvious he is affected by those suffering ill health
and does not want to see other families affected. He encouraged that
we all support this action.
3. Fund raising for legal action
Gord Gibbons, President of the Alliance to Protect Prince Edward
County (APPEC) updated us fund raising requirements and status.
a.. The legal action will require a kitty of $250,000. They are
about halfway. Most from PEC
b.. Beth Harrington stated that each group needs to reach out to the
greater community for fund raising. More than people who will live
near wind developments will lose.
a.. Homes will be abandoned
b.. Populations will diminish
c.. Businesses will suffer financial losses
a.. Property values decrease- Real Estate companies shrink
b.. Other business failures will likely follow
c.. The entire community could be at stake
4. Presentation on a way forward (PowerPoint available)
Beth Harrington presented the strategy on how WCO can move forward in
the upcoming year.
a.. A branding of WCO was proposed
b.. WCO to move to an 'advocacy' based organization
c.. WCO must not be defined by anyone other that its members. (Not
NIMBYs, not anti wind etc)
d.. Need to broaden the scope of involvement within the organization
aka teams to examine other aspects of wind energy eg. environment,
education, viability democracy issues
John Laforet, president of WCO revealed other steps being taken
regarding incorporation, liability protection and moving to both a
group and individual membership-based organization with a fee
structure. See attached PowerPoint presentation
a.. Incorporation will protect WCO and individuals from risk of liability
b.. Liability insurance will be included as part of membership fees
c.. Annual membership fees proposed:
a.. Individual person: $15 / family $25
b.. Sustaining member: $ 10 / month
c.. Group: $200
5. Comments from participants indicated:
a.. Support for the legal action and the need for fund raising and
fund raising team
b.. Support for Ian Hanna's commitment
c.. Support for branding WCO
d.. Support for WCO incorporation and the benefits of liability
protection - it was noted it is very important that all stick together
as a unified group
e.. Other points of discussion are noted on the attached PowerPoint
presentation
6. Next Steps for WCO:
a.. Distribute meeting notes for comment
b.. Distribute Legal Action Package
c.. Generate team leads and team participation on projects
d.. Secure Wind Concerns Ontario www.windconcernsontario.org as the
"Go To" place for scientific, unbiased materials and research.
e.. Be the support center for all those fighting to protect the
health, safety and quality of life of Ontario from industrialization
from wind turbines.
