Residents in Waterford are sounding the alarm over a proposed wind farm in their community. They point to a glaring conflict of interest involving the consulting firm hired for the project. If you live near Sussex or follow local energy developments, this situation highlights how rural planning decisions impact local communities. According to a recent report by CBC News, Dillon Consulting currently works for both the wind farm developer and the regional service commission responsible for local approvals.

The Dual Role Controversy

Community members worry this dual role compromises the approval process. Dillon Consulting prepared the environmental impact assessment for Natural Forces. At the same time, the firm provides planning services for the Kings Regional Service Commission.

Mary Ann Coleman is a former committee chair for the Waterford Local Service District. She says residents are furious.

“Oh, everybody’s appalled. Everybody’s very angry that we’re in this situation where we’re dealing with a company that is in a complete conflict of interest,” Coleman told CBC News.

Natural Forces project manager Tess Donohue sees things differently. She says the firm has not worked on both sides of the issue simultaneously.

“So I really don’t think that there is, at least from our perspective, kind of any conflict,” Donohue said.

Project Scope and Rural Plan Changes

The Paqt’smawei Sipu Wind Project is a joint venture between Natural Forces, Indian Island First Nation, and the Mi’gmaq United Investment Network. The developers have approval to build up to 42 wind turbines reaching 200 metres tall. Construction on the first 15 turbines begins this fall.

To move forward, Natural Forces needs a development permit from the regional service commission. The company applied to amend Waterford’s rural plan to allow large scale wind turbines in rural use zones. The amendment requires turbines to sit at least 1,000 metres from dwelling units and 500 metres from public roads.

Seasonal Homes Excluded

The proposed amendment changes the definition of a dwelling unit. The new rules state a unit must be used on a year around basis. This change strips protections from seasonal property owners.

Coleman notes Waterford is a recreational area filled with summer and winter camps. She calls the exclusion highly problematic.

Donohue defends the change. She says wind farm projects routinely exclude seasonal properties from setback requirements.

“Because a lot of the concern and the reason for setbacks from residences is like ice throw or due to shadow and noise. So if someone is there for, you know, three months of the year or you know, in the summers the requirements for your setbacks are just lower,” Donohue explained.

What Happens Next

The commission’s planning committee voted unanimously in May to support the amendment. This vote acts as a recommendation rather than a final approval. Local Government Minister Aaron Kennedy holds the final say on the matter. The commission is currently asking the public for input on the proposed changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main concern with the Waterford wind farm?

Residents believe Dillon Consulting is in a conflict of interest because the firm works for both the wind farm developer and the regional service commission.

Who is building the wind farm?

Natural Forces is building the project in partnership with Indian Island First Nation and the Mi’gmaq United Investment Network.

How many turbines will the project include?

The project has approval for up to 42 wind turbines. Construction on the first 15 begins this fall.

How does the rural plan amendment affect seasonal homes?

The amendment redefines a dwelling unit as a year around residence. This means seasonal camps and summer homes lose the 1,000 metre setback protection from the turbines.

Who makes the final decision on the rural plan amendment?

Local Government Minister Aaron Kennedy will make the final decision after reviewing the commission’s recommendation and public input.