Wind turbine boss blames internet for misinformation … and what’s up next for green building trends (VIDEO)

By GREG McMILLAN
TheGreenHub.ca

THEY CAME, they complained, they left.

That, in a nutshell, is what Norfolk council was told, following the appearance of the president of a company set to build four wind turbines east of Port Ryerse.

German-born Uwe Sandner of UDI Renewables Corporation of Nanticoke, was on hand to explain his project to councillors, and at one point he blamed the internet for providing “one-sided information” about wind turbines. He told councillors how he had already met with local residents who, he said, did not have open minds about wind turbines.

He said they simply believe “it’s bad for your health and property values will go down.”

So the residents listened to what he had to say, continued to grumble, and they left in a disgruntled state. This has become a standard reaction across the province because, under Ontario law, there is nothing else residents or municipalities can do, since companies looking to set up green energy projects simply go through Queen’s Park for approvals.
Like it or not, that’s the way it is.

But Sandner still tried to assuage their concerns, claiming that the type of turbines going up near Port Ryerse  are “the quietest machine on the market” because they have no gear-box and are also “the most environmentally friendly.”
Problem is that he, and other individuals like him, are not finding many believers anywhere in Ontario.

Elsewhere around The Green Hub: How there’s a local flavour to Haldimand cider company … When energy costs in Ontario will be rising … How mercury levels creeping back up for fish in Great Lakes region … How Norfolk golf club and developer sensitive to tree-cutting for condo project … Why Brantford councillors want city’s downtown to be most walkable in Canada … How dumped fill on Onondaga property found to contain excessive chemical levels … Why Brant councillors are talking trash to buy time for landfill site …

Last but not least: What’s next for green building? At the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo held in Toronto, participants submitted videos explaining what to expect …

(Check back regularly for a new post from The Green Ticker … and The Greg McMillan Daily)