Leamington is keeping its status as an "unwilling host" to wind turbine development.
A public meeting Monday night packed council chambers.
Mark Gallagher with renewable energy company EDF EN Canada pushed council to keep a more open mind on wind projects.
"We're here to ask that the Municipality of Leamington does not simply shut the door on development and the positive economic benefits that we'll bring to our landowners, to the municipality, and to companies like CS Wind who employ over 400 people in Windsor," says Gallagher.
The review of council's position on wind turbines came after a request from EDF EN Canada to make a presentation. The company is working on the Romney Wind Project in neighbouring Chatham-Kent.
Despite a fair number of people speaking in favour of wind turbine development, Leamington resident Alexandra McTavish was one of the many against turbines being installed in the town.
"I want [council] to remember not to be enticed by five wind turbines because then you open the door and then it's a lot more than that," says McTavish. "It's kind of the next step to many, many turbines."
Council was advised the "unwilling host" resolution doesn't guarantee wind energy projects won't get approvals to be built in Leamington, but notes premier Kathleen Wynne has said only willing hosts would be considered for gas or wind plants.
