By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Valerie Schmitchen doesn’t want to see the Crossfield Wind Farm take shape in East Kent.
To that end, the first-time activist has launched a petition to stop Capstone Infrastructure from building as many as 40 turbines in a new green energy development.
Wearing a ballcap emblazoned with Schmitchen Farms, the Ridgetown area resident braved the heat to collect 36 signatures from folks attending two open houses at Blenheim’s Willow Ridge Golf and Country Club. They stopped to sign the petition on the tailgate of her truck.
The mom of two said she was taking action not only for herself, but for her kids.
“I owe it to them,” said Schmitchen. “Most people think it is fruitless, but you have to do something. A lot of people are saying it’s not a great idea.”
Schmitchen is the third generation on the former potato and tobacco operation turned cash crop farm. She’s worried about the potential impacts a large-scale wind farm could have on the land.
Water well quality, the negative impact on bird migration paths, the large turbines, noise, and the fact that prime agricultural land will be taken out of use forever are some of Schmitchen’s concerns.
“It’s right across the road from me,” she said of the Capstone project. “Farmers are supposed to be stewards of the land, but I am afraid they are not thinking a generation into the future and they should think several generations ahead.”
Inside the venue, Capstone staffers were kept busy as curious residents checked out information storyboards and asked questions.
With 35 renewable energy projects already operating, the Canadian-based company is looking at building a 200-mW wind farm in former Harwich and Howard townships.
The area is bordered on the west by Communication Road, the east by Duart Road, the north by Magnavilla Line and the south by Reeders Line.
The wind towers could be as high as 120 metres or 400 feet.
Andrea Kausel, Capstone’s vice-president of development was one of the staffers answering inquiries from the public.
When asked about the purpose of the open house she said it was being held to glean information.
“It’s really early to be seeking consultation, before even having a contract,” said Kausel. “We don’t even have the project size yet; we’re here to listen. We’re coming in early to have these conversations.”
According to Kausel, Capstone has already signed 10,000 acres of land involving contracts with 70 landowners.
Building a new wind farm is a competitive process and approval must be sought from the Independent Electricity System Operator before projects can proceed.
Chatham-Kent council would have to sign off on the project as well.
Ontario is looking at expanding the electricity grid in order to meet Southwestern Ontario’s power needs expected to surge in the next 20 years.
The municipality receives $2 million annually from taxes on wind turbines and opted to not sign on with 155 other Ontario communities who decided they are not “willing hosts” for turbine farms. Farmers who allow turbines on their property are compensated directly.
Capstone will be holding another open house later this summer.
