Minister of Tourism approves Wolfe Island Wind Project
On June 4, 2008, the Minister of Tourism confirmed the province's approval for the Wolfe Island Wind Project. Premier Dalton McGuinty asked the Minister to step in when the Environment Minister declared a conflict-of-interest on May 29, 2008.
Controversy over the Wolfe Island Wind Project centres on the location of a handful of the 86-wind turbines that Canadian Renewable Energy Corporation hopes to build on the island later this year.
The northwest part of Wolfe Island contains designated Important Bird Areas and important natural areas. Expert evidence commissioned by members of the community and supported by some government agencies raised concerns that the wind turbines would destroy rare, critical habitat. With more than 80% of Lake Ontario's wetlands gone and bird habitat disappearing, the loss of these natural areas could be devastating.
For the last year, Waterkeeper, Wolfe Island Residents for the Environment, and other individuals have attempted to improve the wind project by identifying the locations where turbines could be built such that Wolfe Island's natural heritage is protected.
We requested a bump up to a full Environmental Assessment of the proposed Wind Project. Or, at the very least, we sought mediation to address environmental concerns. Ingoring these request, the Ministry of the Environment went ahead and approved the CREC's self-assessment of the Project. In response, Waterkeeper and others appealed to the Ministry of the Environment. Just before the decision-making deadline, Environment Minister John Gerretsen recused himself and the Minster of Tourism denied the appeal.
The Minister of Tourism's decision arrived before Waterkeeper was provided with notice of the conflict-of-interest.
This week on Living At the Barricades, Waterkeeper talks about the province's approval for the Wolfe Island Wind Project and the remaining regulatory process - the federal environmental assessment process that is in its early stages.
Listen to this week's show online (right-click to download). Subscribe to the Living At the Barricades Podcast via iTunes.
Make a donation to Lake Ontario Waterkeeper before August 3rd, 2008 and help us double your donation through the All At Once match
From March 1st -September 14th , 2008 The Jack Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation has offered to match every dollar Lake Ontario Waterkeeper is able to raise through it's All At Once match for up to $2,500.00
With a membership donation to Lake Ontario Waterkeeper of $30.00 or more you could become eligible to win a pair of tickets to Jack Johnson's concert on August 3rd, 2008 at Burl's Creek Park in Oro, ON.
Remember to write “allatonce†in the memo line of your cheque or online donation, fill it in the comment box for online donations, or send us an email to confirm the match.
To securely donate online, click here.
Background on Jack Johnson's 2008 tour
Musician Jack Johnson's 2008 tour is committed to energy conservation and waste reduction. Trucks and coaches will operate on biodiesel helping to reduce potential CO2 emissions by 78%. All festival merchandise will focus on sustainable materials, reuseables and renewables. Lake Ontario Waterkeeper will be participating in “The Village Green†located on the concert grounds. The Village Green will represent local groups and a few national organizations at booths and will be a place to learn about local and national environmental issues, how to take immediate personal steps, and help to create long-term solutions.
Check out Jack Johnson's All at Once Community at the website: www.allatonce.org
A reminder that the stylish and very comfortable "Hope For Truth" t-shirt designed by
to support Lake Ontario Waterkeeper is still on sale through
:
*** SPECIAL OFFER: FREE CD!!! ***
Now courtesy of Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, when you order two Broken Social Scene t-shirts (of any size) you will receive a free copy of At the Barricades:Volume 1, a compilation featuring "Until It's Dead" - a new, exclusive track from Broken Social Scene. We will mail it to you free with no additional shipping cost incurred, only while supplied last!