The editor:
I don't get it. I can't think how many times over the last seven months I have said that to myself. I'm talking turbines and all the discussion about Enbridge and the proposed project for the RM of Weyburn and the RM of Griffin.
These engineers and professionals employed by Enbridge are all smart people. How is it that they don't see or understand that wind power is unreliable and intermittent? After all, their CEO recently admitted in a press conference, "You can't run a full-time economy on part-time energy." Never mind that it is not environmentally friendly and definitely not economical. If it was so wonderful, why couldn't it be built on its own merits rather than requiring government loan guarantees and subsidies (your tax dollars)? Never mind that other provinces have had nothing but problems with wind projects and other countries are moving away from subsidizing commercial wind projects. Could it be that no other provinces want these, and Saskatchewan seems like fair game? After all, Weyburn was previously known as the "Hospitality Capital of Saskatchewan."
What on earth is driving their endless pursuit of a project before allowing both RM councils involved the chance to ensure due diligence? What exactly is the rush to push through the amendments they are requesting, as well as the studies and approvals needed? What is driving this frenzied rush to get approval? Could someone answer these questions? Please? Anyone?
But think of the economic opportunities and prosperity this could create. For who? Enbridge, to date, has not provided any of the source documents or data to support their economic benefit claims. It's not hard to find valid research showing that property values decrease in areas where commercial turbines have been installed. Oh, but think of the economic benefits during the build. Really? Maybe check with other areas where turbine projects have been completed. Would Enbridge use local contractors? If not, who is to say that those contractors would support local businesses?
Even if it did benefit the community for the period of time the project was being constructed (which there seems to be evidence contrary to that), what about after? Who will want to buy or build a home in Weyburn or start a new business next to those monstrosities? Or, for that matter, even stay in Weyburn if they can manage to sell their homes and leave? Who from surrounding rural areas will choose to retire and live in Weyburn? Which neighbouring rural residents will choose to go to other communities to purchase their groceries, essentials, or anything else for that matter?
What tourist industry will remain? Will the hunters and falconers still come and stay for weeks and months if wildlife, geese and bird populations are reduced by the turbines? Who will repair the division and heartbreak that has occurred and will continue in our community and surrounding area? Who will be around to clean up the mess of 600 cubic metres of concrete per turbine, rebar, metal, fibreglass, and whatever else is left on the land at the end of this project's life?
It's not hard to find evidence that turbines are not exactly all we've been told they are. Reach out to members of the community who have pushed back against this project. Some of those individuals have been intimidated and felt threatened for standing up against the project, but I'm certain they will still be willing to share the information and evidence they have to back up their arguments. And there seems to be an increasing amount of evidence to support the claim that this is not the best path forward.
Enbridge keeps saying they are sorry for how they rolled this project out, but then continues doing the same thing—making public announcements before informing both the RM of Griffin and RM of Weyburn councils of their plans.
Are you sorry, Enbridge, or are you sorry you keep getting caught? Because there is a huge difference.
Faith McDonald,
Weyburn
