Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario, called on the status quo parties to clear the way for far-offshore wind power generation from Ontario’s great lakes.
“The ban on offshore wind is just another example of the Liberals playing favourites to get votes in close ridings,” said Schreiner . “We need to develop renewable energy sources across the province, and distribute the costs and benefits equally.”
More than 50% of Ontarians have a favourable view of offshore wind projects, while only 20% are opposed to them, according to a poll conducted by OraclePoll Research last week.
“When the Liberal government cancelled the development of offshore wind projects — and when the Conservatives say they reject renewables — they are cutting us off from one of the greatest economic and environmental opportunities we have,” said Schreiner .
A Conference Board of Canada study from 2010 estimates that only 2,000 MW of far-offshore wind would invest over $10 billion into Ontario, create 62,000 person years of employment (up to 4,400 jobs per year) and boost Ontario’s GDP by $5.5 billion simply by allowing development of unique offshore wind resources.
The Green Party is proposing turbines be located no less than 15 km from shore, from which point they will be nearly invisible even on the clearest of days.
“Onshore wind generation should prioritize community power projects with local decision making and local benefits. Ontario should follow Denmark’s lead in requiring 20% local ownership of wind projects,” said Schreiner . “We want host communities to benefit from green energy projects.”
“We all want clean, renewable sources of energy,” said Karren Wallace, the Green Party candidate in Dufferin-Caledon. “Rural communities want development to be fair and equitable. The flawed implementation of the Green Energy Act has failed rural Ontario. The Green Party has listened to the people of Dufferin–Caledon.”