KINGSBRIDGE – A new benefit will be offered to qualifying landowners in the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh (“ACW”) as part of one of Ontario’s most promising renewable energy projects – the proposed 270-megawatt K2 Wind Project (the “Project”).
The Community Renewable Energy Benefit (the “Benefit”) will provide an annual payment of $1,500 to eligible landowners who own homes within one kilometre of a Project turbine, the substation or the transformer station, and who are not already participating in the Project through land lease option agreements.
The Benefit is voluntary, and qualifying residents are being contacted by mail. The Benefit will be available once the Project begins commercial operation. It will continue over the 20-year life of the Project.
There are no restrictions on how landowners can spend the Benefit, and participation in the program in no way limits an individual’s ability to comment or express opinions on the Project.
“The Benefit is part of a broader approach we’re taking to sharing Project benefits with the community,” said Paul Wendelgass, K2 Wind Project Lead. “We believe the community should receive direct and tangible benefits for the unique role that ACW will play in helping to meet Ontario’s targets for renewable energy.” The Township contains some of Ontario’s best areas for renewable power generation from wind, and ACW will help lead Ontario to a greener future.
The Project must meet all of the regulations under the Renewable Energy Approval (“REA”) process. This includes stringent requirements on noise impacts and a full range of environmental and cultural heritage studies. Copies of the draft studies will be available at locations throughout ACW starting August 17th, including:
Huron County Public Library – Goderich Branch
The ACW Township Office
The County of Huron Administration Office – Goderich
Capital Power’s Office in Goderich
The studies will also be available on www.K2wind.ca
K2 Wind will host a drop-in style open house on Thursday, October 18 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the former St. Joseph’s School.
Letters have been sent to residents qualifying for the Benefit. Residents who believe they may qualify, but who were not contacted by letter, can contact the K2 Wind Team by e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at 519.524.2760.
