Ontario green energy program to damage Amherst Island environment

STELLA, ON, Aug. 27, 2015 /CNW/ - The Ontario government claims to be a leader in environmental action but this week's approval of a huge wind power project on Amherst Island will harm, not help the environment, say community leaders.

"Approval of this power project indicates the hypocrisy of the government's wind power program," says Michele Le Lay, spokesperson for Association to Protect Amherst Island. "Constructing and operating wind turbines here will do great harm to the natural environment."

The island, a short ferry ride from Millhaven, is home to endangered species of wildlife and a known resting place for migrating birds each spring and fall. Heritage Canada's National Trust named it one of Canada's Top Ten Endangered Places in 2014 due to the threat of the power project.

The government placed 27 conditions on the power project's approval, including a requirement that the power developer report on damage to the environment.

"There are places where wind turbines just shouldn't go," says Le Lay. "This is one of them."

SOURCE Wind Concerns Ontario

Michèle LeLay, 613- 929-2979; Deb Barrett, 613 634-4460