Wind farm completion expected by end of this year
by Michelle Minnoch

The site chosen for the five wind turbines, between the 5th and 6th Line, and their locations. (Image supplied by Schneider Power)

Schneider Power Inc. held a public information session at Churchill Community Centre on Monday, regarding five wind turbines to be installed along Hwy 400, between the 5th and the 6th Line, by the end of 2007.

Leasing the property for 25 years, Bernd Schneider, Chair of Schneider Power, said the 79 metre towers will provide hydro to the equivalent of 15,000 - 20,000 homes.

"The project will cost about $20 million," he said. "This will not cost the Town anything."

The five turbines, with a generating capacity of 2 MWeach, will be connected to a 44 krV grind on the 5th Side Road.

Bernd said the installation of the turbines will help the community, as local people will be hired for the installation. "We will be using a lot of local contractors."

Bernd said the recent installation of wind turbines on Manitoulin Island was quite successful and "not one person made a complaint."

Environmental Planner for Schneider, Beatrice Ashby, said bird studies of the area were completed in March and June 2006.

Also completed in the area are archeological studies, natural heritage studies and they will soon be conducting a hydrogeological study.

By mid 2007, the Environmental Impact Statement Report should be completed; in the second quarter of 2007, detailed engineering and approval of permits should be obtained.

The turbines are set to be completed by the end of this year.