Chatham-Kent (CK) Councillors voted down two motions that would allow a total of roughly 30 wind turbines to be erected in the municipality.
CK's council received a petition with over 1,000 signatures and heard from 20 residents who spoke about their concerns.
Noting heavy metals in well water, dangers to local species, negative visual impact to the landscape, as well as side effects from the vibration and hum of the turbines.
Both Capstone and EDF Power Solutions were given the opportunity to present their case, but given the early stage of the planning process, they were unable to provide definitive answers, which led to the motions being denied.
“It was clear there was just not enough information for the majority of council to feel comfortable voting in favour of it tonight,” said Councillor Alysson Storey. “It appeared to me that once those questions could not be answered in a satisfactory way, because we're so early in the process, a lot of folks just were not comfortable putting our friends and neighbours at risk.”
Councillor Morena McDonald created an amendment to the original motions, but they were still not passed: 4-13 and 6-11.
A notice of motion, brought forward by Councillor Amy Finn, will not allow for any new wind turbines in the municipality.
The motion will be voted on at the next council meeting on October 20.
