Grimsby Lincoln News Amanda Moore Febuary 12, 2014

WEST LINCOLN — A discovery by a West Lincoln property owner has stalled operation of industrial wind turbines in West Lincoln — for now.

A spokesperson for Ontario Environment Minister Jim Bradley confirmed via email Monday the ministry is aware that three of the five HAF Wind Energy turbines are in violation of setback requirements. While the turbines are 550 metres from the closest home, three do not meet property line setbacks established by the ministry.

“It appeared to the blind eye that they were too close to my property,” said Anne Meinen, a Beamsville resident who owns property in West Lincoln.

Meinen took her concerns to the West Lincoln Glanbrook Wind Action Group, which helped her determine the distance of the turbine from her property.

Group chairman Neil Switzer said the group used a range finder to establish the setback distances to ensure they didn’t encroach on the host property. They found four setback infractions, with the largest affecting Meinen’s property.

The 95-metre tower is 27 metres too close to her property. Meinen said the ministry’s allowance for the three turbines to be built is unacceptable.

“This is not a pro or con wind turbine issue,” said Meinen. “The issue is that somebody built something contrary to regulations and encroaching on my property lines … there are regulations regarding the setback distance from property lines for a reason, including ensuring my ability to enjoy my property, for my safety and the protection of my property values, amongst others.  For this turbine to be constructed where it was, is completely unacceptable and I await word from (the ministry) on what they plan to do about it.”

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