Chatham-Kent council is once again debating whether to join Ontario’s list of municipalities that have declared themselves “Unwilling Hosts” for new wind turbine projects.
Councillor Amy Finn has put forward a notice of motion to re-examine the municipality’s position, following council’s decision last Monday to reject proposals from two companies seeking to begin wind farm projects near Ridgetown.
Chatham-Kent’s relationship with wind turbines has long been contentious. The construction of turbines in North Kent is believed by many residents to have contributed to the deterioration of well water quality in the area.
In July 2024, Councillor Rhonda Jubenville proposed that Chatham-Kent officially become an “Unwilling Host” to new wind developments, but the motion was defeated in an 11–3 vote.
Finn, who was among those who voted against the motion at the time, now says the latest proposals target an area with similar geological conditions to North Kent.
“There are many shallow wells in the East Kent area, and there was a risk of the shale being disturbed,” Finn wrote in an email to CKXS News. “I believe that it is important that we do what we can to protect these wells and the aquifer.”
According to Wind Concerns Ontario, 159 municipalities across the province have formally declared themselves “Not a Willing Host,” including Sarnia, Petrolia, and Essex.
In her motion, Finn stated that new turbines are “not worth the risk.”
While initially slated to come before council on Monday, the motion has been postponed until the November 3 meeting.
