“Our Government's policy on wind development is very clear,” said Minister Sheridan. “We want community approval before we would ever proceed with any future wind projects. This public meeting is the first step in that process, and we will consider any and all feedback from all the residents in the Hermanville and Clearspring area before making any final decisions.”

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at St. Margaret's Hall on the Northside Road (Highway 16) between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Minister Sheridan will chair the meeting, and will invite the general public to offer their views on the proposed project. Technical details about the project will be provided and the benefits for landowners and the community at large will be outlined.

The meeting will also include a presentation from the Northeast Community Alliance (NECA). NECA is a group of community and business leaders in eastern Kings County with a common interest to promote socio-economic development in the region. Because the Hermanville wind farm is in a non-incorporated region, a possible role for NECA is to facilitate and support the engagement of the community in planning and activating the community benefits afforded this wind development.

“I welcome the opportunity to provide information to the community about NECA, and to discuss a process that would engage the residents of the area in prospects that would promote economic development in the area, and in northeastern Kings County in general,” said Steve Cheverie, NECA Chairman.

In addition to this initial public meeting with local residents, the Prince Edward Island Energy Corporation will also meet with landowners directly affected by the development, as well as with nearby seasonal residents.