What is “wind power”?

Wind power is a form of solar energy.  Heat from the sun creates wind circulation patterns in the Earth’s atmosphere.  Energy from the wind can be harnessed directly to sail a boat or through a windmill to grind grain. The windmills originated by the Dutch in the 17^th century were used to reclaim thousands of acres of land. Multi-bladed farm windmills covered rural Canada in the early part of this century as tools for pumping water.  The energy from the wind can also be converted to electricity when a windmill spins the rotor of a turbine.  Advances in aerodynamics and materials have made electricity generation from wind turbines economically viable.

What is a “wind farm”?

Wind farms are clusters of wind turbines that generate electricity. Wind is a renewable resource that produces clean energy - no emissions, no waste products. Wind farms are located in areas with reliably favourable wind speeds.

What is “renewable energy”?

Renewable energy is energy obtained from sources that are essentially inexhaustible.  Renewable energy is typically compared to the burning of fossil fuels of which there is a finite supply.  Renewable energy sources tend to cause relatively few environmental impacts and pose a low risk to human health. Renewable include technologies such as solar photovoltaic energy, solar thermal energy, wind power, run-of-river hydro power, geothermal energy, and biomass energy.

What is “green power”?

Green power is a term synonymous with renewable energy resource products. Resulting in lower air pollution emissions and no nuclear waste, green power is cleaner than electricity from traditional sources. Green power is also more environmentally friendly, because it comes from electricity resources that are renewable. Examples include the sun, water, wind, biomass (the burning of agricultural or other wastes, and geothermal (heat from the earth). The phrase is increasingly being used to describe market-based choices for electricity consumers to purchase power from environmentally preferred technologies.

What is EcoLogo^® certified low-impact renewable energy?

The Government of Canada supports the development and use of renewable and environmentally sound alternatives to fossil fuel for power generation.  EcoLogo^® certification for low-impact renewable energy is designed to encourage a shift in the marketplace from electricity generated by burning fossil fuels such as coal, to renewable low-impact sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, biogas, and biomass.  As a recipient of Environment Canada's EcoLogo^® designation under the Environmental Choice Program, Canadian Hydro’s power generation has met stringent environmental criteria and contributes to the goals of cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gases.  

Why is there so much interest in Wind Power and Green Power these days?

There are a variety of reasons for the increasing interest in Wind Power and Green Power, including:

• Reducing reliance on burning of the world’s finite supply of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, for our energy needs, and moving toward the development of renewable energy sources.
   

• There is significant concern about air pollution from coal burning power plants and other fossil fuel burning facilities.  Concern focuses on health impacts, greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change, and acid rain damage to rivers, lakes, forests, and farms.  The Ontario Medical Association estimates that air pollution in Ontario costs more than $10 billion per year in health care costs and related expenses and kills an estimated 2,000 Ontarians each year.
   

• There is significant concern about continued reliance on, or expansion of, nuclear energy facilities.  Wind power and green power projects, combined with increased energy conservation, can help reduce the need for expensive nuclear generation and its nuclear waste byproducts.
   

• Most people understand that using wind power and green power can help preserve the environment – and they want to be part of the solution.

Will I be able to buy green power directly from Canadian Hydro?

Canadian Hydro is not a retailer of electricity.  We understand that many people wish to be able to directly support green power projects with their electricity buying dollars.  The green power electricity produced by the Melancthon Grey Wind Project will become part of Ontario’s available electricity supply.  Under Ontario’s open-market system you can choose to purchase electricity from different suppliers, including your local utility or Hydro One. The Ontario Clean Air Alliance lists open market suppliers of green power in Ontario on its Electricity Choices website (www.electricitychoices.org), together with details on what these suppliers offer to consumers.

How can I find out about having wind turbines installed on my property?

We have received a lot of interest from local landowners who would like us to consider their properties for Canadian Hydro wind turbines as part of our Melancthon II Wind Project.

If you have a property you would like us to consider within the Phase II area of study, please contact us and let us know your thoughts about the project. At this time we cannot make any commitments, but we can keep your name and property details on file for future reference.

Turbine siting is a finicky, technical business involving evaluation of site topography, long-term wind data (including speed, direction, air pressure, temperature, and variations of these according to time of day and season etc.), proximity to access roads and electrical transmissions lines, and other factors. While the region has generally strong and reliable winds, not every property is technically suitable for wind turbines. 

How will you assess potential effects of the Melancthon Wind Project?

The Environmental Assessment Act provides for the protection, conservation and wise management of Ontario’s environment by establishing a responsible and accountable process for decision-making before a project is undertaken.  The definition of environment includes air, land, and water, as well as natural, cultural, social, and economic components.  Canadian Hydro has retained Stantec Consulting Ltd. (Stantec) to prepare an Environmental Screening Report as required under Ontario Regulation 116/01 of the Environmental Assessment Act for the Melancthon II Wind Project. The Environmental Screening Process is commencing before detailed project planning, site layout, and facility design.  The process includes initial consultation with the public and agencies to identify any issues or concerns, assessment of negative effects, the development of mitigation and impact management plans, and additional consultation on the results of the Screening Report.

I’m interested in the Melancthon II Wind Project - how can I stay informed and provide input?

This website is one of many tools Canadian Hydro is using to engage stakeholders, and help people stay informed and provide input to the project. 

We began the Melancthon II Wind Project by notifying potentially interested and affected stakeholders through meetings with local elected officials in the project area, publishing a Notice of Project Commencement in the Orangeville Banner, the Orangeville Citizen, the Shelburne Free Press & Economist, the Dundalk Herald, and the Flesherton Advance. 

As the project progresses we will hold an open house, publish a newsletter, and meet with interested stakeholders and local organizations as appropriate.

We have established this website, together with a toll-free project information line (1-866-873-2464) and an email address (comments@mgwindpower.info), to enhance communication and provide avenues for comments and input.

I’ve heard that wind turbines can have an impact on birds, other wildlife and natural habitats – is this true?

To get an accurate picture of any potential impact on birds, other wildlife and natural habitats, Canadian Hydro has retained Stantec Consulting Ltd. (Stantec) to prepare an Environmental Screening Report as required under Ontario Regulation 116/01 of the Environmental Assessment Act.  Stantec’s ecologists have many years of experience and have completed numerous projects in the areas of ecosystem planning, habitat restoration, and wildlife and environmental impact assessment.  One of Stantec’s ecologists is currently writing a book on the habitat requirements, limiting factors and status of the birds of Ontario. 

Existing studies of bird mortality and wind turbines indicate that the potential for bird mortality is low – about two birds per turbine per year, which is less than the average car, barn cat, or house cat.  Existing studies of wildlife and natural habitats similarly indicate minimal impacts.  However, conditions vary significantly across wind farm sites and it is very important to conduct detailed studies to determine potential impacts at each site.  Stakeholder input and comment on environmental screening study design can assist significantly in the assessment of impacts – please contact Robert Rowland at 1-866-873-2465 or comments@mgwindpower.info with your input or suggestions.  

The Environmental Screening Report for the Melancthon I Wind Power Project remains available on the project's website and addresses for above concerns. A similar document will be prepared for the Melancthon II Wind Project.