Mono council has passed a bylaw regulating wind generation in the town which included only one change from the previous draft, reducing the allowable output from private wind turbines.

The suggestion to reduce the maximum permissible output of a private generator to five from 40 kilowatts (kW) came, during a public meeting on the issue, from Terry Williams, who has 15 years' experience building wind turbines.

He told councillors then that 40 kW was too much for a personal wind turbine and suggested a five kW limit.

Planning director Mark Early wanted direction from council on which one they think would be more appropriate.

Councillors did not all agree on any one number, suggestions ranging from 10 to 30 kW.

Mr. Early said that since the previous meeting in March he had received information from Paul Lansing, a member of the Mono Economic Development and Sustainability Advisory Committee, confirming Mr. Williams' statement that 40 kW was too much for a personal wind turbine.

"The specific provisions for adopting wind power policies are found within the draft Official Plan Amendment, currently delayed at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing," read a report to council from Mr. Early. "Due to the complaints received to date with these accessory structures, staff would recommend that in the matter of public safety and the public interest, that the bylaw be approved."

Council agreed and passed a motion to approve the revised bylaw.