Major shift in Grey Bruce wind debate

The Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health says she’s had a change of heart regarding wind farms in residential areas. 

Grey Bruce medical officer Hazel Lynn said the health unit is looking seriously at conducting an impact study involving wind turbines.

After some research, she said she is beginning to believe that there is some biological plausibility that people are disturbed by wind turbines. She also said complaints begin to rise the closer you get to a wind turbine.

She says the complaints seem to involve the infra-sound. 

Earlier in December, Lynn said she was looking at having an independent body, such as a university, conduct the study. The cost of such a study could be nearly a quarter-million dollars, and it would be up to the Grey Bruce board of health to decide if the cost is necessary. 

The Nor’Wester Mountain Escarpment Committee has been a vocal opponent of a proposed wind farm project in this area.

The local activist group wants the Toronto-based Horizon Wind Inc. to move some of its potential wind turbine locations, which are part of the proposed Big Thunder Wind Park project, father away from homes in Neebing.

The company’s current plans have no turbines within a kilometer of a home.