MYTH – PROPERTY VALUES

The value of my property will decrease
by being near a wind farm.

Available information indicates that wind farms have a neutral impact on residential property values.

MYTH – HEALTH IMPACTS

There have been four cross-sectional studies, published in scientific journals that evaluated the relationships between wind turbines and human health. According to Dr. Arlene King, the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health, the current scientific evidence does not indicate a direct causal link between wind turbine noise and adverse health effects.

MYTH – NOISE

The wind turbines will create a noise disturbance.

The regulatory guidelines established by the Ministry of Environment (MOE) ensure that noise emitted from the project is within acceptable limits. To ensure compliance, Gilead conducted an Environmental Noise Impact Assessment (ENIA) in accordance with MOE requirements. From this, it has been concluded that the noise produced by the project will be within these acceptable limits.

MYTH – IMPORTANT BIRD AREA (IBA)

Gilead should not be permitted to develop a wind project in an area classified as an IBA.

There is no provincial or federal policy that prohibits the placement of wind turbines in IBA's. Gilead has completed several detailed studies to determine the potential impact to surrounding and migrating wildlife and birds. These studies, taking into account the mitigation measures and operational controls proposed by Gilead, confirm the project will not adversely impact wildlife and bird populations.

MYTH – BIRDS AND BATS

Bird and Bat mortality will be significant due to the development and operation of the Ostrander Point Wind Energy Park.

Gilead has conducted an extensive four year study to learn more about the wildlife in the area including raptors, breeding birds, and waterfowl all with the intent to design and implement mitigation measures and operational controls in accordance with the Ministry of Natural Resources requirements. Impacts to wildlife and birds will be closely monitored during a rigorous post-construction impact study.

MYTH – TOURISM

The Ostrander Point Wind Energy Park will negatively impact tourism to the county.

The Project is outside of the County’s tourism corridor and is not anticipated to have a negative impact on the tourism industry. There may in fact be positive impacts associated with the visitor trips to the facility.

MYTH – ROADS

The construction of the Ostrander Point Wind
Energy Park will damage local roads.

Any damages or repairs to local roads as a result of Project construction including the transportation of Project components will be the responsibility of Gilead. Gilead has also committed to develop a Traffic Management Plan with the County to specifically address local concerns related to the transport of Project components and impacts to County roads/traffic.

MYTH - COST

Less than half of your electricity bill is actual energy generation costs. The costs that you see on your bill are for the delivery of power, regulatory charges and debt retirement charges. Sooner or later, we will all pay a price- either in energy bills or living with an unreliable system reliant on fossil fuels.

MYTH – DECOMMISSIONING

Gilead will abandon the site and the local community will be left with an eye-sore.