Township approves road agreement with wind turbine developer
Centre Wellington council has approved a road use agreement with WPD Springwood Wind Incorporated.
Township officials say the agreement, approved by council on Aug. 12, will protect the township’s road infrastructure during the development of four wind turbines on the 3rd Line of Belwood, between Sideroads 15 and 20.
“The Township of Centre Wellington has no legal means to stop this project,” the municipality states in a press release.
The release explains the Ministry of Environment approved the WPD Springwood Incorporated Belwood project in October.
“The WPD Springwood Wind Incorporated project has received Provincial approval,” said Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj.
“The township does not support this project, but there is nothing we can do to stop it. The Township is forced to protect our road infrastructure and ensure emergency services.”
CAO Andrew Goldie added, “The township has secured a road use agreement with WPD Springwood Wind Incorporated ensuring any damages to 3rd Line during the construction and decommissioning of the four wind turbines will be addressed with funding secured through WPD.”
In addition to the road use agreement, the province requires WPD Springwood Wind Incorporated to prepare and submit a fire safety/emergency response plan and a traffic management plan.
Officials say all plans have now been submitted and reviewed by township staff.
WPD will be paying development charges for the project, as well as paying for required additional equipment and training for local emergency services, and $22,000 annually for the term of the contract towards a community benefit fun.
