Dorion wind turbines generate favourable spin

The wind energy controversy in Thunder Bay isn't blowing toward Dorion.

The Greenwich Wind Farm, located near Dorion, a township 70 kilometres east of Thunder Bay, is expected to be completed near the end of the month. Residents who toured the project over the weekend are welcoming the giant alternative energy structures.

"I wanted to see how big they are," said Dorion resident Peter Dumonski. "I think it’s good for the community and the area."

He noted that the project provides a "tax base for Dorion," and that it’s "good for local guys working on the project."

Thunder Bay resident Bruce Symington said "the jobs, the money pouring in" is "a good thing for the area."

Turbines 'far enough away' from town

About 50 people took part in the tour, including Scot Kyle, the Green Party candidate for Thunder Bay-Superior North. He said the project lacks controversy because due process was observed.

"People were consulted and included throughout the project," he said.

Kyle said a fundamental difference between the Greenwich Wind Farm and the proposed wind turbines on the Nor'wester Mountain Escarpment is that the turbines are set back further from the community.

"I think proper setback is the key to implanting these wind turbines on the landscape," Kyle said. "The Nor'wester proposal is too close to residential development."

Many people there say the turbines will bring down property values, and the low-frequency sound could be a health hazard. 

But in Dorion, Dumonski agreed the wind farm "is far enough away that it doesn't affect the town itself."

Cost of 'green' power a concern

John Bruce, the project manager with Renewable Energy Systems Canada, the company behind the Greenwich wind farm, said the venture speaks for itself.

"You really have to come here to see what it looks like and get educated," he said. "The public reaction is very favourable."

Symington said the cost of wind power to future generations is a concern.

"This is neat but it's not the answer in the long run for Hydro," he remarked during the tour.

"You hope that … the more windmills that go up, the costs will go down. You need clean power, but you also need jobs and you need people to work. You can’t work if the energy is too costly."

He noted mining and forestry operations all rely heavily on energy.

"If the costs get too great, they’ll have to go somewhere else."

A total of 43 wind turbines will be built as part of the project — and none of them will be visible from the highway.

"On this project you really have to go out of your way to actually come and find the wind turbines," Bruce said.

Bruce noted the company spent a lot of time consulting with the community and with First Nations before it started building. He said he believes that's a big reason the wind farm is getting a local thumbs-up.