Wind farm approved over residents' concerns

Complaints from Summerside residents over the potential for noise, lower property values and health risks were overruled as council approved a wind farm for the city's utility Wednesday night.

About 50 residents turned out for the special meeting of city council, and many expressed their anger over the project.

Mayor Basil Stewart said the city will take those concerns seriously, but the 12 MW wind farm is going ahead.

Four turbines will be erected on land in the St. Eleanors area of the city. A slight change in the plan was made last night, with one turbine being moved.

Council said it has to think green with energy costs continuing to rise the way they have been.

If everything falls into place, the first turbine could be up as early as next fall. The $30-million project will be funded in part with a $4.5-million contribution from the federal government.