“We have spoken with landowners both in favour of, and against, this project,” says Minister Sheridan. “We had individual meetings with people who owned property in the proposed development area, and held a largely attended public meeting in order to give everyone a chance to provide their feedback. The majority have shown their clear and strong support for this project. After weighing everything we heard, we are confident in our decision to move forward with a development that will mean so much to the area, and to Islanders as a whole.”

The PEI Energy Corporation will continue with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which was initiated earlier this year. An EIA is an effective planning tool for predicting environmental consequences of a proposed development. It also provides appropriate mitigation measures for unwanted effects.

“Under the PEI Energy Accord, and in keeping with our 10 Point Plan on Wind Energy, our government committed to adding 30 megawatts of publically owned wind power by 2013,” said Minister Sheridan. “In meeting this target we will provide a measure of relief to ratepayers, who will benefit from some added stability in future energy costs. It will also mean a great deal to the community of Hermanville/Clearspring, who will benefit not only from the economic spinoffs during the construction and operational phases, but from the more than $300,000 annually that will be provided to nearby landowners and the community at large.”

Following a formal request for proposals (RFP), government is in negotiations with suppliers to build and supply turbines for the project. Planning is underway for their detailed layout.