West Hants wants more space between wind turbines and private land. Developers aren't happy

A Nova Scotia municipal council has voted to increase the distance wind turbines must be from private property without the owner's permission, but companies behind the renewable energy projects fear the change could set a new precedent that would stifle development across the province. 

The change, which has yet to be approved by the province, would require commercial turbines in the West Hants Regional Municipality to be at least 2.5 kilometres from abutting property lines unless there is consent from the landowner to be closer.

Under the current bylaw, turbines can be as close as one kilometre from a dwelling without the landowner's approval.

Natural Forces, a renewable energy company with offices in Nova Scotia, Ireland and France, said it received approval to construct as many as 28 turbines in West Hants before council voted to amend the bylaw.

Companies voice concern 

Still, the company made its concerns known in a statement it submitted to the municipality before council voted, arguing the change "would nearly eliminate all new wind development in West Hants." 

"This proposed setback has not been shown to be rooted in addressing tangible impacts from wind turbines on residents or the environment," the company wrote.

Currently, there are two operating wind farms in West Hants, another under construction, and two additional developments proposed. 

Halifax-based EverWind said the bylaw change would not apply to the company's proposal to build up to 15 turbines on the border of West Hants, Halifax Regional Municipality and the Municipality of the District of Chester because the development application was submitted before council made its decision.

But the company, which plans to build hundreds of wind turbines in Nova Scotia to generate green hydrogen for export, said it was concerned other municipalities would follow suit and set their own restrictive bylaws.

"We feel that by setting stringent setbacks, we're going to impact the ability to develop future projects that both Nova Scotians require in order to achieve our clean energy targets as well as the industry more broadly in order to grow a hydrogen sector here," said Mark Stewart, an engagement manager with EverWind.

Residents at odds over development

With hundreds of turbines currently proposed in the province and Nova Scotians set to vote in municipal elections on Oct. 19, the issue is also top of mind for some voters.

Steve Hart of Lower Vaughan, N.S., is among West Hants residents worried about the number of turbines proposed in the area. He said the rights of local landowners as well as loss of wildlife habitat, particularly for the endangered mainland moose, are some of his concerns as turbines spring up across the province.

"It just seemed like it was coming at a faster pace than what it should," Hart said. 

However, David Blanchard, who lives about 1.5 kilometres from a 10-turbine wind farm, said he's satisfied with the existing bylaw. 

From his bedroom window in Ellershouse, N.S., Blanchard can see three turbines, which he believes play a key part in mitigating climate change.

Despite living so close to the turbines, he said far more noise — a common complaint from wind farm opponents — comes from Highway 101.

"If these wind turbines can get us off of burning coal and oil ... if we can get away from that, the sooner the better," said Blanchard.

'We're sending a mixed message'

In the midst of the election, mayoral candidates in West Hants are treading a fine line on the issue of wind development. 

"Right now we're sending a mixed message to investors that West Hants isn't investment ready," said candidate Kjeld Mizpah Conyers-Steede. "And I believe that we are investment ready."

Conyers-Steede said wind projects can help with energy sovereignty, but communities also need to be adequately compensated by wind companies.  

Candidate Chuck Porter, a former minister of municipal affairs in Nova Scotia, said local leadership should shape policy around the desires of their communities. 

"In my personal opinion, I think we should really be looking outside the box. Instead of putting a policy across the board, why don't we look at some options for other opportunities?" he said.

Abraham Zabian, the incumbent candidate for mayor, and fellow candidate Jeff Hartt did not return requests for comment. 

Minister's approval needed 

John Lohr, Nova Scotia's current minister of municipal affairs, has to approve or reject the bylaw amendments. A decision could be made in the coming weeks.

Regardless of the decision, it will impact an industry the province sees as significant to achieving renewable energy goals. The province is aiming for 80 per cent renewable energy by 2030, and net-zero emissions by 2050.

In Lower Vaughan, Hart said there's unease about what the province will ultimately do.

"I know a lot of the councillors are concerned that the province is going to kick this back," he said.

"So if it does come back to an appeal, then a whole 'nother council has to relearn everything that has happened in the last year."