Mayor Robert Quaiff. (Quinte News file photo: Nicole Kleinsteuber)
Prince Edward County has denied a Road Users Agreement for a wind proponent looking to construct nine industrial wind turbines in South Marysburgh.
Council held a special meeting today to go over WPD White Pine’s Notice of Commence of Works slated for September 10, RUA and to discuss the next course of action with its solicitor.
Mayor Robert Quaiff said there are entrance and building permits that need to be in place. He added there have to be some revisions to the RUA that need to be met including the fact WPD is requesting to change the plan that would see transmission lines from underground to above ground on extensive poles along County roads.
The meeting follows a recent letter to the County from WPD stating the company would seek legal action if the County doesn’t issue the necessary permits by September 7.
In an email to Quinte News, WPD Spokesman Kevin Surette said it is WPD’s impression that there are some County residents, and possibly even some members of Council, who believe that PEC Council can use their authority to frustrate the project by various means, particularly by withholding permits and agreements.
“The reference to the Sumac Ridge legal proceedings in the August 23rd letter to PEC is not a “bullying tactic” as some have labelled it, but merely to direct PEC Council to the legal authority for WPD’s position, and show that the courts have spoken very clearly on the issue of frustration,” Surette wrote.
He reserved his comment on Thursday’s decision until he has read the motion in full.
