One emotion reigned supreme: curiosity. Those behind the potential wind farm project answered questions to the best of their ability. Seven representatives from Anaia Global Renewable Energies and Stantec Consulting provided one-on-one discussion.
There are many steps that have to be navigated before the project becomes reality. A major step is land acquisitions for turbine placement and leasing agreements for the erection of an energy transmission line from the Black Pond Road, Comeau’s Hill area, to the Tusket Falls substation.
“I’m glad. I’m happy,” said Patrick LeBlanc when asked how he felt about the proposed wind farm. He owns land in the area.
“I’m extremely close. That’s my big worry,” said a woman who lives northeast of the designated area.
“I have friends that live in West Pubnico and I know it caused some upheaval there amongst some families,” said summer resident Vincentine Richard-Woodbury.
“I plan on reading all the material that’s available on this,” she added.
“It’s kind of exciting really. It could be a potential job and I’m even considering training,” said one young Wedgeport resident.
“I think it’s one of the best things that could ever be done. Wind is available, it’s renewable, It’s thinking ahead. It provides a very low carbon footprint from cradle to grave,” said a man who is already employed in the local wind industry.
“It’s up to the people of Wedgeport. If the landowners are okay with it, I’m okay with it. It could provide five or six jobs and we need all the work we can get. I do have a camp on the lake though, 800 metres from them (proposed windmills) and I’m concerned about the value of that,” said Guy Surette.
Municipality of Argyle warden Aldric d’Entremont is adopting a wait and see attitude.
“The Pubnico wind farm has been up for awhile and people seem to have adjusted,” he said. “I think it’s great. These things are popping up all over the province. It’s better than burning coal and oil.”
