J.D. Irving wind farm worries some, company promises more consultation

As plans for a J.D. Irving wind farm loom in western New Brunswick, some residents and a nearby First Nation are speaking out against the project.

The Brighton Mountain Wind Farm, with 58 turbines, will break ground in 2025 near the small community of Juniper and within the boundaries of Hartland and Carleton North municipalities.

J.D. Irving spokesperson Anne McInerney said in an email statement that the company is planning a public meeting for area residents in August, something local mayors support.

"I want people to have answers, I want their questions to be answered and I think information is important," said Hartland Mayor Tracey DeMerchant.

She said J.D. Irving held a meeting recently for the Western Valley Regional Service Commission so local government officials and mayors could inform their residents.

When asked if she supports the project, DeMerchant said, "Like everyone else, I want to make sure that it's done properly, no one wants to see things disturbed in a way that's not healthy."

Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey said he's also been hearing concerns from residents.

"We suggested they needed to talk directly to the proponent to get those questions answered. We don't have any of the information about any of that," Harvey said.

"We do agree that there needs to be public engagement on this, and the proponent has agreed to have these meetings, and we've conveyed that to that group."

Harvey said he personally supports the project, noting the company's history as an employer in the area.

"But everybody needs to be held accountable in terms of protecting the environment, so that's what that process will do, and then the [environmental impact assessment] will have a good, robust discussion about all these issues that may come up," Harvey said. 

Clarissa Andersen, a spokesperson for the provincial Department of Environment and Local Government, said in an email that public engagement is required as part of the project's ongoing environmental impact assessment (EIA).

"Public engagement is still underway for this project and the proponent has not yet submitted their summary report," Andersen said.

"No decision will be made regarding the EIA until all relevant issues identified by the TRC, First Nations and the public during the determination review have been addressed."

First Nation against project

Woodstock First Nation Chief Tim Paul said J.D. Irving has not done proper consultation in his view, and he wishes that his community and the Wolastoqey Nation had been involved in the ongoing environmental impact assessment.

"At this stage of the game, I can tell you that Woodstock would be opposed to it, opposed to the project," Paul said.

He said he has concerns about migratory birds and wildlife on the project site, along with the possibility of Indigenous archeological sites or traditional medicine on the property.

"There's all kinds of impacts that have to be looked at through the full process, and we have to be part of that process. When you're left out of that process, how do you meaningfully consult when you're not even involved?" Paul asked.

McInerney said First Nations were notified of the project in August 2023, and directed questions about Indigenous consultation to the province. 

David Kelly, the provincial spokesperson for Indigenous Affairs, added that the environmental impact assessment, "provides all First Nations with the opportunity to make submissions on the potential impact to their rights.

"The province did notify all First Nations directly about the project and provided them with information," Kelly said.

McInerney said J. D. Irving has visited 250 residences in the area to discuss the project and share pamphlets, and has set up a website outlining the project. There's also an email people can use to submit questions.

Nearby resident concerned about project

Juniper resident Stephanie Thornton sent an email to provincial and municipal government officials urging them to stop the project.

Thornton said she's an animal-rights activist who is concerned about deforestation and wildlife losing their home.

The website J.D. Irving set up for the project estimates that just 0.3 per cent of the property will have to be cleared for the project, or about 227 hectares. The company also said existing forest roads will be used as much as possible for construction.

"Why choose a site that's heavily forested when you could use something that maybe doesn't have so much impact on animals and the woods?" Thornton asked.

A Facebook group for residents to discuss the project and share concerns has attracted just under 500 members.