This letter is in regards to the construction of the windmills in Melancthon Township.

Most of us have already driven Hwy 10 north from Shelburne, Ontario, and viewed the notorious windmills erected in Melancthon Township by Canadian Hydro, during Phase I of the Melancthon Wind Project.

The windmills stretch endlessly to the sky. People passing by look at them with awe,but have any of them felt how they would react or feel is these were in their backyard.

I would like to explain my opinion as a local resident and landowner, who is currently experiencing the passing of Phase II of the Melancthon Wind Project.

My name is Nancy Malloy. We live on Con. 2, 2nd line North East, off the 270 Side Road. We attended the open house presented by Canadian Hydro on November 20. As a result of this meeting, we have many concerns. We had concerns prior to the meeting, but this open house has just reaffirmed that our concerns were true.

I would like to mention these concerns to you.

After reviewing the Phase II plan diagrams submitted by Canadian Hydro, I find that my farm is going to be completely surrounded by the windmills.

The proposal windmills are to the south west corner of 2nd Line NE and 270 Side Road. South east corner of 2nd Line NE and 270 Side Road, North West property of 2nd Line NE and 270 Side Road, all the way up to County Road 21. These windmills are 180 metres tall, they are very overwhelming, even at their existing windmills, which are in Phase I are overwhelming, even at their distance away from us. They can be easily seem from the hills in Primrose.

I built my house and bar 1 1/2 years ago. We submitted plans and paid the fees applicable to construction bylaws. At no point during the phase of approvals did Melancthon or Dufferin County mention that we would have these windmills, being erected or considered for the area.

My dream was to move my family to the country and raise my children here in Melancthon Township.

When I built my house the view of open fields was why I have walls of windows on both sides of my house. We loved the esthetics of the area and designed out home so we could take advantage of the lovely view. This view would be ruined with towering windmills.

I have spent hundreds of thousands on my property. I feel that these windmills will depreciate my property’s value. We have heard the potential that they may increase property values. I find this very difficult to believe.

I am also concerned about the hydro poles, which flank the roadways in Phase I. They themselves are tall, about 16 metres tall. This too would be another thing obstructing my country view.

We were told the electrical wires would be buried in Phase II, but this was also said in Phase I, and we heard council passed approval to have above ground wires during the construction phase. This is absurd in today’s society, as we all know underground is maintenance free over the long period of time.

I understand that these windmills are good for creating cheap, renewable power, but what I don’t understand is why these windmills have to located so close to a major highway and on prime farmland. Creating a displeasing esthetic view for local residents and tourists passing through.

There is good land available off the 4th Line NE, by the municipal dump, that would be more suited to this type of development. In doing this nobody’s property and lifestyles will be interrupted.

I think Canadian Hydro should build the rest of the windmills in areas like (that). The land that is undesirable for farming, like the property across from the dump, etc., and not on land being farmed.

During the open house on Nov. 20 with Canadian Hydro, it is apparent that many locals are definitely concerned with Phase II after seeing the results of Phase I.

Canadian Hydro has not eve powered up a single windmill and proven that this is a good source of energy.

Why are they rushing to move ahead with Phase II so quickly? Also there is no data to show that these windmills will not impact the wildlife in our area and that the noise generated from the turbines will not be a problem.

Phase II needs to be planned with more care than Phase I. Before Melancthon Council approves Phase II, we must see the results and impact of Phase I.

Phase II needs to be planned with better setbacks, and a definite strategy to align the windmills so the look is esthetically desirable.

A petition is being circulated within Melancthon Township, to enforce improved setbacks for the windmills and better planning for Phase II.

If you would like to sign it, please call Nancy Malloy at (519) 925-1788. This will handed in at the next Council meeting.

Bart and Nancy Malloy Melancthon