BEAMSVILLE – Tim Hudak, Ontario PC Leader and Niagara West – Glanbrook MPP, is pleased to hear that the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has joined the fight to suspend industrial wind turbine development in Ontario.

“Dalton McGuinty has polarized local communities by taking away their decision making powers,” said Hudak.  “Local officials know what’s best for their communities and I will continue to push for fairness and democracy.  I am please to hear the OFA has come on board in demanding the McGuinty government suspend further industrial wind turbine development until local decision making is restored.”

In a recent release, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture state the the removal of municipal input into industrial wind turbine projects has alienated the rural population and ignored competing community needs and policies.

We are hearing very clearly from our members that the wind turbine situation is coming to a head – seriously dividing rural communities and even jeopardizing farm succession planning,” says OFA President Mark Wales.  “The onus is on our provincial government to ensure the interests of rural Ontarians are protected.  OFA is speaking up to clearly outline the issues that must be addressed right now.”

In December, Hudak and the Ontario PC Caucus stood alone in voting in favor of legislation that would have restored local decision making powers to municipalities.  Regrettably, both the Liberals and NDP voted to defeat the bill preventing local residents, businesses and municipal councils from having a say in where there massive construction projects will be located.”

Locally, the communities of Hamilton, West Lincoln and Wainfleet have joined the nearly 80 Ontario municipalities who have passed resolutions calling for a moratorium on industrial wind farm projects.  As well, concerned residents in West Lincoln and Hamilton have joined to form the West Lincoln and Glanbrook Wind Action Group to oppose industrial wind turbine installations in their communities.

“I believe in local decision making because families, businesses and municipal councils know what’s best for residents and neighbourhoods,” Hudak added.  ‘Dalton McGuinty’s approach is unaffordable and is unnecessarily driving up the cost of energy for families and businesses.  I will continue to be the voice of concerned communities until they once again have a say in what happens in their own backyards.”