Suncor is planning to bid for a new renewable energy contract for a 60-MW Nauvoo Wind Power Project in Brooke-Alvinston and Warwick townships.
The proposal covers a wide area of Warwick extending south into Brooke-Alvinston to Petrolia Line. Suncor has not yet determined the number or location of the turbines.
Suncor will presenting to Brooke-Alvinston township council on June 11 with more information about the proposal.
"The process that we're going through with the government. We talk about the boundary that we've been able to establish so far, and the number of landowners that we've signed up to leases," says Suncor Spokesperson Jason Vaillant. "That's the kind of information that they want to know about at this stage."
Brooke-Alvinston Mayor Don McGugan says they have declared themselves an unwilling host, but are receiving mixed feelings from the community.
"The opinions in the community was that most people did not want them. Today there is a small per cent of people that have talked to me that are willing to put their land up," says McGugan.
McGugan adds that he could speculate why some people would welcome wind farms to the community.
"If there's an opportunity to pick up some money, [they would suggest] that we should take that opportunity," says McGugan. "But, we also have to make sure that the opportunity is correct for the long-term, and we're talking a minimum of 20 years."
Suncor has scheduled public meetings with the host townships in June regarding the Nauvoo proposal.
McGugan explains they will listen to Suncor's presentation on June 11 and the information presented from the public hearings. "If land owners do sign up, then council will have to make a decision as to where they stand," says McGugan.
However, the Mayor doesn't see that vote happening anytime soon this early in the process.
"If council gives them a motion of support it does help their application to Ontario government, but they can come here without council support."
Suncor's application is due by September 1st to Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator. Bids that are successful are expected to be announced later in the year.
Public Meetings: - Monday June 22 6-9pm: Brooke-Alvinston-Inwood Community Centre (3310 Walnut Street, Alvinston) - Tuesday June 23 6-9pm: Warwick Community Centre (7074 Egremont Road, Warwick) - Wednesday June 24 6-9pm: Adelaide Metcalf Township Hall (2340 Egremont Drive, Strathroy)