Regional board ‘brushed off’ in conversation about local wind farm projects

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Regional directors have resolved to continue discussing wind farms after sharing concerns of feeling “brushed off” by the provincial government. 

During the May 1st regional meeting of the Peace River Regional District (PRRD), the board of directors discussed feelings of frustration towards the provincial government around wind farms in the region. 

It comes amid concerns about the exemption of wind energy projects from the environmental assessment process. 

The board of directors has maintained this could mean it loses its voice or is ignored by the provincial government on the subject of large green energy projects being constructed and proposed in the Peace region. 

The directors shared concerns about green energy projects being built on land owned privately, by the Crown or a combination of both, and the way in which the large corporations involved in these projects communicate with residents. 

“It’s unfortunate that our government still hasn’t learned how to do proper consultation,” Leonard Hiebert, PRRD chair and director for Electoral Area D, said. 

“They seem to be doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” 

Director Brad Sperling of Electoral Area C spoke about concerns and input from residents and the PRRD being “brushed off” by the provincial government and various ministries.

“It’s not just about these couple [of] wind projects that are in our area, it’s about the whole process,” Sperling said. 

“We get people [involved in the projects] running around upsetting some of our residents or confusing them on future projects.”

Director Dan Rose of Electoral Area E echoed these sentiments, raising insight he gathered from his constituents, stating he feels concerned the PRRD board has no leverage in discussions around wind farms. 

“I think it’s become very evident that [the provincial government] is not listening to us, and they’re not going to listen to the constituents,” Danielle Veach, director and mayor of Pouce Coupe, said. 

“They already don’t feel like anybody listens to them, and we’re trying on behalf of them, but it’s getting to the point where [the provincial government doesn’t] have to listen to anybody.”

Veach also recommended pressuring and inviting North Peace MLAs Jordan Kealy and Larry Neufeld to speak on the subject as they work closely with the various ministries involved with wind farms and green energy. 

The directors ultimately resolved to continue discussing the subject at meetings and communicating with the provincial government in order to continue vocalizing and attempting to represent their residents. 

The discussion took place in a committee of the whole meeting, and therefore no recommendations or decisions were made.