Demonstration is being planned

I am forwarding a copy of the e-mail I received regarding working together to lobby government about the issue of windmills, transmission lines, Concerns about the health effects of living close to wind turbines and high voltage power lines, concerns about power lines next to the Confederation Trail, concerns about the impact all of this is having upon our environment, and concerns about land values. A demonstration is being planned for the day the legislature opens.. November 12th. I think this is a prime opportunity for all concerned to demonstrate opposition to what is happening.

All those who are interested in participating in this initiative, please respond to this e-mail. In order for this to be effective, numbers are needed and the message has to given in a respectful, organized manner.

Have a great day! Emily

Trail Power Meeting

Last Nights meeting was a called to plan the coalitions next action steps.


The meeting focused on expanding the network and coalition base.
Building up Island Trails support by networking and through email distribution and engaging communities to
help in any way they can.
Connect with Prince Edward Island community groups and associations.

We spoke about the next steps with the province .

1. legal

* Planning Act(The abandoned railway land committee)
* Environmental Act(Confederation Trail)
* Trails Act(connection to community process)

2. Support for meeting between Island Trails and the Premiere to discuss:

* How Island Trails and the Ten point plan work together

* Seat at policy table re: Confederation Trail and Community input
* Policy development
* Recommendations by Island Trails re power transmission
* Development of a community process for future development .
* Island trails planning process


"Folks we need people who understand the scope of this provincial power strategy and it's impacts on the community."

lets get the word out to our networks "We need to connect with all community groups and organizations that have supported the Confederation Trail and the value it brings to their communities."

We are building a list of projects and resources that have gone into the building of the trail.Ideas and suggestions are welcome immediately.

Community actions are needed that reflect Island Trails and the mission it serves to Prince Edward Island.

We are looking for ideas that reach all Islanders.

* Photo/film Contest -
* Community Walk Abouts
* Social Networking/Bulletin Boards
* Letters and Emails (that support a sit down with the premiere to hash this out and come up with a suitable solution.)
* Blog and blog more using keywords "Confederation Trail Coalition"
* Tell your best friend about what's going on with The Confederation Trail
* Know that a little goes a long way and we can fix this problem by working together.
* We need you and your ideas now.

Have a great day.

Planning Meeting. Confederation Trail Coalition

The meeting lasted 1 hour and our discussion focused upon gathering support from existing organizations.
Over the the next week we will be gathering names of organization that support our community action on Power lines and the construction underway.

Also a meeting with the premiere is in order to discuss the ten point plan and in particular where the existing project fails to comply with this plan .

What plan did this project follow in it's planning stages for the community to be understood and it wishes followed?

There are very important questions that need to be addressed concerning how this project was allowed to take place on the Confederation Trail without proper protocol being followed.

PEICC

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PROTECTION ACT

a-17.pdf (application/pdf Object)

(2) Where the Minister, after consultation with the Advisory Board,
has reason to believe that
Examination of
archaeological
resources (a) particular land contains a site of prehistorical or historical
archaeological significance; and
(b) the site is likely to be altered, damaged or destroyed as the result
of development or other activity,
he may, by order published in the Gazette,
(c) direct a site survey or site investigation, or both; and
(d) direct that the development or activity be suspended in whole or
in part for a period not exceeding six months to enable a site survey
or investigation to be conducted.
(3) Where a site survey or investigation is directed pursuant to an order
under subsection (2), the person conducting it shall proceed with all
reasonable speed and in such a manner as to cause the minimum
interference upon the site. 1987, c.4, s.8.

Heritage Places Protection Act:

Heritage Places Protection Act:

The provincial legislation allows for places to receive registration or designation as a heritage place. Designation is the higher level of recognition and provides legal restrictions on changes to the landscape or to the architectural heritage defining elements of the place.

Nominations for the Register of Heritage Places are reviewed and evaluated by the Heritage Places Advisory Board using criteria including age, architectural style and design, integrity, exterior condition and historical associations.

The Railway Turntable was built between 1905 and 1906 near the end of the Montague Spur of the PEI Railway to improve the efficiency and reliability of the Railway. Railway engine cars would be turned on this structure rather than having to back up. This is the last remaining turntable in Prince Edward Island, a reminder of the important role played by the railway in the province’s transportation history. The turntable is in good condition and occupies a very prominent location on Montague’s waterfront.

Planning Act (application/pdf Object)

mun_welling_op.pdf (application/pdf Object)

1.7 Plan Content
The Planning Act, R.S.P.E.I., 1988 Cap P8. Requires that an Official Plan shall include:
• a statement of economic, physical, social and environmental objectives;
• a statement of policies for future land use, management and development,
expressed with reference to a specified period not exceeding fifteen years;
• proposals for its implementation, administration and the periodic review of the
extent to which the objectives are achieved.

Suez anticipates completion of 99 megawatt wind farm

End of 2008 - Suez anticipates completion of 99 megawatt wind farm begun earlier in year, with nine megawatts for Summerside utility and 90 megawatts intended for export use.

Question: Will this project respect the The Confederation Trail and the Planning Act and the trails Act on Prince Edward Island.?

Anticipated Economic Impacts of Wind Development to 500 megawatts

Anticipated Economic Impacts of Wind Development to 500 megawatts

- Capital cost over $1 billion
- 850 construction jobs
- $218 million in local construction spending
- $16.5 million in tax revenues over construction
- After construction ends, wind development will contribute $40 million annually to provincial gross domestic product

Securing Our Future: The 10 Point Plan

WIND DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO DELIVER ENERGY INDEPENDENCE,
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Securing Our Future: The 10 Point Plan

1. Maximizing Energy Security, Independence and Price Stability for Islanders
2. Generating Revenue from Green Energy Exports
3. Demonstrating Community Support
4. Building a Collaborative Partnership Approach to Cable and Transmission Planning
5. Maximizing Economic Benefits
6. Promoting Sound Land-Use Planning
7. Assuring Compliance with Environmental Review Processes
8. Promoting Fair and Equitable Land Leases
9. Advancing a Consistent Taxation and Business Support Environment
10. Partnering with Proven Developers

Wind Power Development on Prince Edward Island - History

1980 - Atlantic Wind Test Site opens at North Cape. Now the Wind Energy Institute of Canada.
2001 - Prince Edward Island Energy Corporation builds Atlantic Canada’s first commercial wind farm at North Cape with 10.56 megawatts of capacity.
2003 - Vestas V-90 turbine installed at North Cape just south of wind farm. First North American prototype of V-90 delivers three megawatts of electricity.
2007 - Energy Corporation develops Eastern Kings Wind Farm.
2007 - Suez Energy develops two wind farms - nine megawatts at Norway and 20 megawatts at West Cape.
End of 2008 - Suez anticipates completion of 99 megawatt wind farm begun earlier in year, with nine megawatts for Summerside utility and 90 megawatts intended for export use.

Wind Development Plan to Deliver Energy Independence

Wind Development Plan to Deliver Energy Independence, Economic Growth
hide details 9:06 PM

Reply

-----------------------------
NEWS RELEASE
-----------------------------

October 17, 2008

WIND DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO DELIVER ENERGY INDEPENDENCE, ECONOMIC GROWTH

CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- A 500 megawatt wind power development plan will help provide energy security and price stability to Islanders while benefitting consumers and communities, and reducing the province’s dependence on imported power, Premier Robert Ghiz announced Friday.
At an afternoon press conference, Premier Ghiz outlined provincial wind development policy in a paper called Island Wind Energy, Securing Our Future: The 10 Point Plan. The plan is the first step toward the goal of having 500 megawatts of wind energy produced on Prince Edward Island by 2013. The $1 billion undertaking will be the largest development on the Island since construction of the Confederation Bridge.
Premier Ghiz said wind energy will provide economic growth and business opportunities while letting the Island meet environmental targets.
“Countries, provinces and states are turning to clean renewable energy sources like wind to replace fossil fuels. There is a strong and growing demand for clean energy - particularly in the New England market. And Prince Edward Island is well-positioned to meet some of that demand,” said the premier.
The plan calls for Prince Edward Island to use 50 megawatts of wind power to bring renewable energy to the point that it provides 30 percent of the province’s electricity consumption - up from 18 percent today. Most of the new generating capacity will be used by developers to sell clean energy into mainland markets. The private sector will be building, financing and operating the new generating capacity, the premier said.
Government is planning a November meeting with developers in order to explain to them the 10 Point Plan and to issue a Request for Proposals for the first round of new wind farm development.
The premier said the 10 Point Plan strikes an important balance between providing opportunities to developers and bringing benefits to the Island community.
“First and foremost, Prince Edward Island’s wind energy resource will be used to maximize energy security, independence and price stability for Islanders,” said Premier Ghiz.
Other points in the plan – Islanders will share in revenue from wind exports; developers must demonstrate community support for proposals; all projects must pass environmental impact reviews; fair land leases must benefit landowners and others affected by wind developments; and wind development will be used to create a green technology cluster in the province.
Construction of 500 megawatts of wind capacity on Prince Edward Island is expected to generate $1 billion in capital spending (more than $200 million expected to be spent on the Island), to create 850 construction jobs and to deliver $16.5 million in tax revenue. Once completed the 500 megawatt Prince Edward Island wind industry will create $40 million in economic activity annually for the next 25 years.
“It is a plan that sets clear ground rules and establishes a fair, open and transparent process for developers,” the premier said. “And it is a plan that will ensure Prince Edward Island’s wind energy resource is developed in the best interests of our one Island community – a plan that will see all Islanders share in the benefits.”

BACKGROUNDER

WIND DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO DELIVER ENERGY INDEPENDENCE,
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Securing Our Future: The 10 Point Plan

1. Maximizing Energy Security, Independence and Price Stability for Islanders
2. Generating Revenue from Green Energy Exports
3. Demonstrating Community Support
4. Building a Collaborative Partnership Approach to Cable and Transmission Planning
5. Maximizing Economic Benefits
6. Promoting Sound Land-Use Planning
7. Assuring Compliance with Environmental Review Processes
8. Promoting Fair and Equitable Land Leases
9. Advancing a Consistent Taxation and Business Support Environment
10. Partnering with Proven Developers

Wind Power Development on Prince Edward Island - History

1980 - Atlantic Wind Test Site opens at North Cape. Now the Wind Energy Institute of Canada.
2001 - Prince Edward Island Energy Corporation builds Atlantic Canada’s first commercial wind farm at North Cape with 10.56 megawatts of capacity.
2003 - Vestas V-90 turbine installed at North Cape just south of wind farm. First North American prototype of V-90 delivers three megawatts of electricity.
2007 - Energy Corporation develops Eastern Kings Wind Farm.
2007 - Suez Energy develops two wind farms - nine megawatts at Norway and 20 megawatts at West Cape.
End of 2008 - Suez anticipates completion of 99 megawatt wind farm begun earlier in year, with nine megawatts for Summerside utility and 90 megawatts intended for export use.

Anticipated Economic Impacts of Wind Development to 500 megawatts

- Capital cost over $1 billion
- 850 construction jobs
- $218 million in local construction spending
- $16.5 million in tax revenues over construction
- After construction ends, wind development will contribute $40 million annually to provincial gross domestic product

Implementation Timeline

- Stage 1- development of 100 megawatts for export via existing cable capacity - complete 2011
- Stage 2 - development of 200 megawatts for export subject to negotiation of agreement for new cable and transmission infrastructure - complete 2013
-Government to work with Maritime Electric and Summerside power utility on plans to add 50 megawatts of wind power for domestic use
- Government to call for proposals in November 2008 with a closing date of January 2009
- Final decisions on proposals expected by April 2009



-30-

For more information, contact Ron Ryder, Premier's Office by email at rrryder@gov.pe.ca or phone (902) 368-5286.

To change your subscription preferences visit www.gov.pe.ca/mailinglists.

Cassandra Kicks AS: Travelling the Confederation Trail in PEI

Cassandra Kicks AS: Travelling the Confederation Trail in PEI

P.E.I. premier expected to make wind energy plan public (PEI-Wind-Energy)

Oct 16, 2008 5:31:00 PM MST
P.E.I. premier expected to make wind energy plan public (PEI-Wind-Energy)



SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. _ Premier Robert Ghiz is expected to announce a plan on Friday outlining how Prince Edward Island will a major boost in wind power production.

The premier wants private sector developers to increase P.E.I.´s wind power to 500 megawatts, more than three times current levels.

The announcement in North Cape will outline how the government will work with private sector developers to achieve its goal.

German company NewEn is one possible source of fresh wind development.

Frank Ahlering, a representative for NewEn, told the Summerside Journal-Pioneer his company wants to develop 500 megawatts of wind energy and bury all of the cable.

He says the method is used "in Europe all the time and we can do it here."

However, he notes that permission to bury cable along roadways and beneath Northumberland Strait to New Brunswick is needed.

(Summerside Journal-Pioneer)

Peibirders Info Page

Peibirders Info Page

Enjoying The Trail In My Community

Commemorating the Trail on Thanksgiving

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=HY27482779

As a gesture of gratitude this Thanksgiving, my family and I visited the confederation trail to show our appreciation. Hopefully this will become an annual ritual for many island families over the years to come.

Community Notices « Women’s Equality Prince Edward Island

Community Notices « Women’s Equality Prince Edward Island: "3. ISLAND TRAILS ADVOCACY"

Confederation Trail Construction Zone

View Larger Map

Map Of Area

View Larger Map

Island Trails Letter to Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission

Island Trails Letter to Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission
August 27, 2008 — Denis Dunne, President

Mark Lanigan
Technical and Regulatory Services
Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission
PO Box # 577
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7L1

Dear Mr Lanigan:

The Board of Island Trails Inc objects to the application by MEC for a budget increase to build a power line for Suez Energy.
Our objection is not with the concept of wind energy but with the installation of a section of the power line along over 20 km of the Confederation Trail.
Island Trails Inc believes that the construction of power lines along the Confederation Trail contravenes the provincial Trail Act for the following reasons:

. Section 2 of the Trail Act states:
2. The purpose of this Act is to provide for the establishment and
operation of trails on Crown lands for recreational use and enjoyment.
1994,c.62,s.2.

The Act states that the Confederation Trail was established for recreational use and enjoyment and not for use as a power corridor.

. Section 13 of the Act states:
13. (1) No person shall, while on the trail,
(a) be impaired by alcohol or drugs;
(b) act in a noisy or disorderly manner;
(c) create a disturbance;
(d) pursue a course of conduct which is detrimental to the safety of other trail users or their enjoyment of the trail and its facilities;
(e) willfully destroy trail property and other natural resources found on or adjacent to the trail;
(f) dump or deposit garbage or other material on or from the trail;
(g) engage in any other activity prohibited by notice or by
regulation.

The Act prohibits (13e) the destruction of trail property and natural resources on or adjacent to the trail. This kind of construction will certainly result in destruction of natural resources both on and along over 20km of trail. It will contradict Section 13d) and would be detrimental to their safety and enjoyment of the trail and its facilities.



. Section 14 of the Trail Act states:
14. The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations
(a) providing a detailed set of rules to allow orderly recreational use of the trail;
(b) providing standards for the design, construction, length, width, surface type, maintenance, operation and administration of the trail;
(c) providing, and requiring compliance with, safety, health, and environmental standards with respect to the trail
(d) prescribing fees or a schedule of fees which may be charged to users of the trail;
(e) providing for the collection of fees;
(e.1) prescribing the fine or range of fines that a person is liable to, on summary conviction, where the person is found guilty of an offence for contravening a provision of the regulations;
(f) respecting the management or preservation of an area adjacent to the trail;
(g) prohibiting the use of certain vehicles on the trail;

The Act requires regulation of standards (14c) for safety, health, and environment.
Those standards must take in to consideration the risks to users associated with radiation from high voltage transmission line.
Regulations (14f) require proper management of the area adjacent to the trail. This would prohibit construction of power lines in such an environmentally sensitive area.
The Act (14g) provides for regulation preventing the use of "certain types of vehicles on the trail, this would certainly include large construction vehicles.




. The Trail Act General Regulations state:
2. (1) Within the right-of-way occupied by the trail, no person shall
(a) cut, destroy or remove trees, hedgerows, shrubs or other vegetation;
(b) plant or otherwise introduce plants on the trail;
(c) add or remove topsoil, sand, gravel or any other organic or inorganic material;
(d) construct or erect buildings, signs, fences, walls, dams, drainage systems or other structures of any kind;
(e) remove, damage or deface gates, benches, shelters or other
structures erected along the trail or at entrances or exits to the trail;
(f) remove or damage the trail surface, trail bed, bridges or any other surface or sub-surface features or structures of the trail;
(g) display any kind of advertisement, carry on any type of business
or offer for sale any article or service

We believe the construction of a power line along the trail will be in conflict with this regulation section a) because it will require the trimming or removal of trees. Section d) of the regulation prevents the construction of structures of any kind along the trail. This would clearly include the construction of a high tension power line.

For the above stated reasons we are asking IRAC to deny the request by Maritime Electric to increase their budget to construct a power line if it involves its construction along any part of the Confederation Trail.

Sincerely
Board of Island Trails

Write Your Support

Questions:

• Do you support Island Trails’ objection to the placement of power lines along the Confederation Trail?

• Are you willing to support this effort by becoming part of a citizens coalition against this initiative?

Action:

. Please e-mail your response to info@islandtrails.ca , please leave your contact information.

Ballancing Heritage & Development

Last night at a meeting to discuss issues that concern Islanders and heritage and development.
The Confederation Trail Coalition was discussed and emails were collected to help the communities effected. Emails were written down and this blog was created to record the events that will follow.

Power lines being constructed on the Confederation Trail are the concern. Please add any suggestions or pictures or video to express your concerns and ideas to build this coalition.

At this point there is a need for action and this blog is created to act as a hub and link to information associated to this issue .

If you have any suggestions or ideas we are brainstorming and would welcome your input.



Thanks
KK

The Confederation Trail