A couple of days after the heated public meeting, we have all had a chance to reflect and consider what has happened.
What is clear is that the entire proposal has been blown out of proportion, and both sides are guilty of it. Both the proponents and opponents believe a wind farm in Lake Ontario to be the end result of the installation of a research station.
All this about an anemometer
The dust has not settled yet and Councillor Paul Ainslie (Scarborough East) is calling for another, more intimate meeting with community members. It remains unclear just how intimate this meeting will be, and more importantly how “community members” will be selected to attend the meeting. What is commendable is Toronto Hydro’s willingness to let the public have their say, even if what they are saying has little to do with their proposal.
What is obviously needed is a more reasonable approach to this debate. As strongly stated by an editorial in the Star, the anemometer test would run for two years and only after this test would wind turbines even be considered. There is a distinct possibility that wind turbines in this location would be found unviable. Even if the study shows turbines here would be successful, there is no chance of those going through without several public meetings. It is unfortunate and regrettable that many people have now been misled. The two sides have created unnecessary debate about wind farms, when the real debate should be about whether or not a wind anemometer is useful and necessary.
There is little harm to be done by this measuring station; to fish, to birds, to humans, to anything. This is why it should be allowed to go ahead.
