Candidates agree on wind turbine setbacks and public consultation

Candidates stage second debate

DARRELL COLE
The Amherst Daily News

PUGWASH – Residents should be consulted and their concerns answered when it comes to placing large wind farms near homes and cottages.

That was the consensus among four of the candidates seeking to be the next Cumberland North MLA during the second of two forums at St. Thomas Moore Roman Catholic Church Hall last night.

“I like windmills and we need to use more alternative energy, but we need to look at the placing of these things close to homes so they don’t interfere with people’s lives, property values and scenery,” Liberal candidate Brent Noiles said when asked his stance on promoting renewable energy and the impact of such projects on the community.

Pugwash and the Gulf Shore area were at the centre of a public controversy involving the plan by Atlantic Wind Farms to erect wind turbines near the Gulf Shore Road.

Progressive Conservative Keith Hunter, the warden of the county when it passed bylaws that would’ve allowed the turbines, said the residents of the area had a lot to do with the wind farm not going forward.

“The people fought against it and there are no windmills on the Gulf Shore,” Hunter said.

Brian Skabar, representing the NDP, said people have a right to be heard when it comes to the placement of wind turbines and said such projects must require close public consultation.

“People have a right to enjoy their property without the intrusion or the noise,” said Skabar, adding that renewable energy should play an important role in the province’s future.

Independent Ernest Fage said government regulation and public consultation will be key to preventing what residents went through in Gulf Shore.

“We need to have government regulation just like we do for other resources like the fishery and forestry,” he said.

Skabar said he’s not prepared to promise regulation until more is learned about the industry.

Responding to a question from Northport resident Joe O’Byrne on the Northport Bridge, Fage said he has been in touch with officials from the Department of Transportation and the bridge will be replaced in 2010, with design work this construction season.

“That’s the best I can tell you,” Fage said. “I have been ensured it is safe with the jersey barriers.”

Hunter said he wishes it could be replaced quicker and worries about its structural integrity, while Skabar wants the government process to be more transparent.

“If the rating goes from zero to nine and this one’s a four, I’d like to know what’s a one. What criteria is used and how is the decision made?” Skabar said.

The candidates were questioned about the beef industry and what they’d do for farmers.

Fage said red meat producers need support with a cash infusion and marketing support.

“We have to do it and it’s right to do it,” said Fage.

Hunter said he tried to support local producers when he ran his store, but found interprovincial barriers and a lack of inspectors difficult.

“You can say buy locally, but you can’t force people to do it. You need to educate people,” Hunter said, adding he’d like to see local inspection stations so small business owners can purchase and sell local products.

Skabar agreed that telling stores what they can sell goes against the spirit of free enterprise, but suggested real consultation with all stakeholders and the development of a long-term plan.

Hunter said that while large stores will be hard to convince, there are plenty of smaller stores that do purchase local.

Noiles said it’s important to keep talking on this issue.

“We have to keep talking about these things and as citizens we have a responsibility to talk about it and ask questions,” Noiles said.

Linden farmer Frank Foster said farmers are tired of having the symptoms talked about without anyone talking about a cure.

Noiles said the solution is a new government, pointing out the Conservatives have fumbled the ball while Hunter said he’s not sure if anyone knows how to save the industry.

“The best way to save it is to do what you’re doing and that’s promoting by local. You’re selling the product out there instead of going through the major chains who can’t handle it,” Hunter said.

Fage said the toughest thing with posing solutions is getting everyone pulling in the same direction including the farmers, government and retailers.

On the subject of tourism, all four candidates suggested talking full advantage of what the community has, pointing out the Pugwash Peace Exchange appears to be better known outside Nova Scotia than inside.

Green Party candidate Aviva Silburt did not attend last night’s debate.

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