The prevailing sentiment at an information session for a proposed wind farm in Chatham-Kent was that most people don't want it.
On Thursday in Blenheim, Capstone Infrastructure Corporation had a packed room for its first public forum for a proposed 100-200 megawatt (MW) wind farm across South Kent and East Kent that would consist of 25 to 30 wind turbines.
Capstone said Ontario needs more power as demand grows and this wind farm will help the province ensure there's a sufficient supply into the 2030s and beyond.
The proposal is in its early stages and has not been approved by Chatham-Kent Council.
Harwich resident Fred Feenstra is worried about pollution and his property value decreasing because of the proposed wind farm.
Feenstra was also visibly angry there was no public presentation or a chance for the public to ask questions.
"They need to hear our side and it's affecting our homes. It's not affecting the people in south Chatham or the other end of Chatham, it's affecting Harwich people," said Feenstra.
Harwwich resident Dan Ryan told CK News Today he's concerned about the large turbines damaging local water wells.
"These wind mills are so much larger, what are they going to do to our wells? The people that I've spoken to here are saying studies are underway and we're looking into that -- no, no, no, no, no, no. Those studies are well known." Ryan said.
Capstone Senior Manager of Communications Megan Hunter said many local landowners have already signed up to host turbines and public support is important to the company.
"We want to make sure we set the right tone and develop relationships with the community from the outset and that those are well managed and beneficial for everyone over the long-term, we're talking decades," said Hunter.
Hunter said the company is aware of the local aquifer issues and complaints related to other wind turbines, saying studies will be conducted by Capstone.
She also noted no locations have been set yet, adding the project, if approved, should be operational by 2030.
Hunter told CK News Today technological and mechanical improvements of turbines have made modern day turbines sturdier and generate more output. Some older turbines corroded and buckled.
Capstone said the community will benefit with job creation, added revenue, and more property taxes for municipal coffers.
A more detailed session is being planned for late summer or early fall.
