A storm of protest blew into Chatham-Kent council chambers Monday potentially snuffing out two proposed wind farms in East Kent.
After four hours of discussion that included presentations from both companies and 28 citizen deputations, council opted to stop the Crossfield Wind Farm and the Botany Wind Farm from moving ahead.
The Crossfield project failed 4-13, and the Botany proposal was defeated 6 to 11. As it stands, official support from the host municipalities is needed before an application can be submitted to the Independent Electricity System Operator.
However, in a unanimous vote, council gave the greenlight to a solar project led by FLT Energy. Located on municipally owned land, one of the farms will take place on 8.9 hectares (22 acres) off of Mitton Line at Ridgetown. The other will take shape on four hectares (10 acres) of vacant land off of Elm Street in Bothwell.
A notice of motion to designate Chatham-Kent as an unwilling host for future wind farm developments was brought forward by Chatham Coun. Amy Finn. The motion will be discussed and voted on at the Oct. 23 council meeting.
