I was recently notified that Standard Power Corporation was initiating an Environmental Screening for a proposed wind energy generation site in our community of Seagrave. As an area resident who will be adversely affected, I have grave concerns that the wind generation project in the proposed location will have a severe detrimental effect on our community. The proposed location is in a farm-field located directly north of our residences, separated only by Saintfield Road. I, like the vast majority of our community feel the environmental and social cost of this commercial wind energy project is out of proportion to any benefit in the form of reduced emissions. The industrialization of our least developed landscape, irreversible ecological damage, loss of amenity and the social division of our community is too high a price for an insignificant and unreliable contribution to our energy supply. I also believe it is the right of citizens of rural areas to enjoy both clean and safe energy generation and an unspoiled countryside. Wind farms may be acceptable where they are not in conflict with the scale and character of the local environment and they must not blight the lives of those living nearby with noise and flicker or endanger residents or visitors; they must not create economic disadvantage through reduced property values; they must not damage the tourist industry or the local economy; and they must not divide communities. The location of any Wind Farm should be chosen using resource material such as the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Wind Resource Atlas. This mapping tool shows Ontario's wind energy potential and identifies promising sites for future wind energy development. The Seagrave location indicates MARGINAL capability for wind power production. I again feel the environmental and social cost of this commercial wind energy project is out of proportion to any benefit in the form of reduced emissions. I would therefore ask that the Government of Ontario exercise its authority under the Green Energy Act to stop this proposed wind generation project forthwith and allow our community to resume our rural lifestyle in a lawful and productive manner.

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