Heather Wright/The Independent

Brooke-Alvinston council is inviting a wind developer to hold a public meeting to talk about their project.

But it’s pretty clear, municipal politicians are not going to support it. 

Venfor Inc, a wind development company, wants to build a project in Brooke-Alvinston and Adelaide Metcalfe. Director Peter Budd, who lives in Adelaide-Metcalfe, says 17 turbines would be placed in Brooke if the project is approved by the Independent Electricity System Operator.

It could also generate some much needed income for the municipality – as much as $300,000 to $400,000 a year with a host agreement.

But the municipality would need to support the project and so far, most councillors and community members are skeptical.

“We’re not going to have this so why are we going ahead with the meetings,” asked Councillor Frank Nemcek June 12 as council discussed a staff report recommending the meeting. “My opinion – we’re not going ahead with this thing. I think its just a waste of time.”

Councillor Jenny Redick says community members want to have their voices “strongly heard” on the issue and a public meeting would give them the opportunity to try to get answers from Venfor. 

Mayor Dave Ferguson says many residents have already talked to him about it. “I’ve had one person ask for the project. I’ve had many say no.”

Councillor Craig Sanders doesn’t like the plan either. “Is the deal good enough? I say no.”

Ferguson agreed; “The deal is not good enough for the angst among the people to be near turbines.”

However, council agreed to ask Venfor to hold a public meeting so residents can speak. It’s not clear when or if the company will hold the event.