Open Letter re: Wind Park

Over two years ago, Municipal Councilor,Linda Gregory and Warden Jim Thurber indicated a desire to meet with the people in the Rossway Hall.She and Warden Jim Thurber were primarily concerned with building and restoring community in what was not unlike a war torn country- having been put through the indignity of battle at the hands of mercenary forces bent on hauling away pieces of the mountain for fifty years from the Little River area, and draining the Gullivers Cove aquifer in exchange for one ($1.00) dollar to property owners for their water rights.

What could be done to bring about healing where neighbour had been pitted against neighbour, family against family,family members against family members? There was a meaningful discussion, but what seemed the preferable option in which everyone could participate was the very ordinary Pot Luck Supper.

Since then, there have been regular on-going Pot Luck Suppers in halls,on decks, and lake-side all along the Neck.A steady group of co-ordinators from the villages signed up for a year and successfully passed the torch to a new group last fall.(They are enlisting a new group for the coming fall season.) The last Supper for this season will take place at the beautiful Lake Medway in July. Everyone is welcome!

It's only in the hearts of people that one could verify any healing, but from the celebratory tone which each Supper fosters, there is clearly evident a positive and appreciative spirit and joy in peoples' coming together as one, from every community and village along the Neck- and beyond.

It was again in that very autumn that secret talks took place at the Municipal Council Building with the same Warden, same Councilor, and the CAO where the seed was planted that would grow to divide and rip apart anew.This time the people were not invited.I guess they didn't need us this time.

We know well the menace the latest scheme may effect. It's doing its share of dividing people in families,homes,villages,and even churches- and that is enough! But this time there is the very real danger of illness being inflicted by run-a-way Wind Blowing Machines as close as 600 meters to peoples homes.The medical people- the only ones in this whole scenario who I can trust - warn that this is much too close even on level ground. In a walled-in village like the beautiful Gullivers Cove,with Big Rigs lowing and blowing at each other from both sides, it may well be a prescription for disaster!



I understand the concerns expressed to me by Ms.Kristi Herron, the Chair of the local Board of Trade.Her fear that people like me who speak out on issues like this may deter industry and business from coming to town is indeed well-founded.But it doesn't have to be that way! People get what they give!


There indeed is an antidote (short of mayhem on my person) and it is this: 1) The Board of Trade is not an elected body. They must find a vehicle of communication to confer with people upon whom they wish to inflict money-making ventures to their detriment to their detriment or not. 2) That should be through our elected representatives at whatever level of government called for. 3) Despite the authoritarian approach these would take with us, our battle is for justice.

That includes preventing these subtle home invasions upon a people as they are so inclined to do. Justice and truth are virtues well beyond the mandate given to peers elected to office. When any government or any business drops in unexpectedly to superimpose their will without the human courtesy of consultation, especially in rural agrarian and seafaring areas,and no introduction and genuine explanation, involvement and input,what do you expect? The option to lay down and play dead is no longer acceptable.

I have known this area a lot longer than many of you have been alive. When I came back to live here, I stepped forward to involve myself in the local community. I am not a leech, nor are the many CFA's I know out here.
When I took up quill in hand to speak out on the quarry, an old friend outside awakened anew what I had heard away back in the 1960's: "It's only Digby Neck!" I hear it still, and read it between many-a-line.

We are never consulted when these totally extraordinary baseballs are batted across the Town of Digby line! That's the heart and crux of the problem!

Now let me cite a proposal for you- one which I wrote to Ms.Herron recently and to which I received no reply.

Between Shore Road and Lighthouse Road, there is a strip of treed land which I saw for the first time in 1962 as I entered Digby on the Ferry. How beautiful I thought! In recent years I have learned that I was undoubtedly looking at what was a fine patch of the highest quality of basalt. I have learned that that strip of land would be a remarkable place for Wind Machines as well! Now I cannot say with certitude, but there is likely a wonderful and bountiful supply of ancient waters just below- enough to creat a water-bottling industry, and jobs,jobs,jobs.

A Quarry for half a century; wind machines for a minimum of twenty years; and potential for a water supply until the well runs dry!

How do you think that would go over in that more affluent corner of the Municipality? And yet that is the very stuff which has been hanging over the tiny Gullivers Cove in the past and so continues to this very day.

I humbly rest my case.

Daniel Mills

NSP at ADEDA

Sustainability VP shares NSP plans for renewables
With PR personnel distracted by hearings in Halifax, Nova Scotia Power Executive Vice President Robin McAdam spoke candidly about the company's plans to adapt to the new energy reality.

A capacity crowd filled ABCC's James Horsfall Memorial Hall for ADEDA's AGM on Thursday evening. Some attended specifically to hear McAdam speak, ready with pointed questions about NSP's plans for renewable energy development in the province.

McAdam's willingness to let down his guard seemed to mitigate tension in the room. "We want to leave a cleaner environment for our children. We have a lot of work to do."

A fuel mix that will include more renewables is clearly key to the province's plan for energy sustainability. Nova Scotia Power (NSP) has a mandate for 10% of its energy supply to come from renewables by 2013, which McAdam is confident will be achieved. A proposed biomass project in Port Hawkesbury may help NSP meet its target.

As of 2014, however, NSP anticipates a supply gap that will provide a multitude of opportunities for energy entrepreneurs. McAdam believes that fast growing grasses and use of abundant forest waste will play a significant role in development of the biomass energy stream.

With regard to ADEDA's pellet project, McAdam sees an incredible economic opportunity for Annapolis Digby. This Agency, of course, concurs with that assessment. Says ADEDA's Managing Director Mike Gushue, "Robin's participation in our AGM certainly reinforces our focus on renewable energy, and particularly biomass, as a viable economic development strategy for our region."

In closing, McAdam observed, "Your region is well positioned to take advantage of biomass as an energy resource, and has great potential for tidal and wind as well."

Windmills/CTV/W5

Maybe you've seen the CTV W-5 program on Wind.....if not,heres the
connection danny
----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2009 11:00 PM
Subject: W5 Turbines


Hi Danny;
Our W5 happened at 12:00pm, but there is no problem because text summaries
and the actual video are available in 2 parts on the Toronto CTV at this
link;

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20081223/wfive_windmills_081227/20081227?hub=WFive

Wind Turbines-Danny Mills

I sent this out to all on our list a while ago, and am circulating it to some of you to get a picture of how things work......Even the Halifax Chronicle Herald, our only provincial Daily,is yet to carry it while this morning there was a front page story on lightening striking 7 turbines in Cape Breton on Tuesday>>>>Selective editing?????The report from government came out last Friday!

Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2009 10:59 AM
Subject: Re: article on Digby Wind Park EA decision from NovaNewsNow.com


If you don't get the Courier you may not know that this article was on-line only and not,as I thought, in the printed version.....I even sent a note of congratulations....Maybe they are awaiting feedback from Skypower and Municipal Council.....Or maybe,as has the Comical Herald, they are burying it to protect Council and the proponent from embarassment....Just a week or so ago, the Skypower flyer announced with certitude an approval of the EA by the end of June! (How cocky can they get?)So, I am going to e-mail the item to everyone I know who gives a hoot.....I'm starting to smell a rat...."Iam fetid" for all ye old latin scholars.....iam is one word! Do you remember? (Think of Lazarus......) danny

Environmental Assessment decision throws caution to the Digby Wind Power Project
by Geoff Agombar/Digby Courier

Article online since June 23rd 2009, 17:04



Environmental Assessment decision throws caution to the Digby Wind Power Project

DIGBY COURIER/NovaNewsNow.com



Nova Scotia's Deputy Minister of Environment has issued a decision on the Digby Wind Power Project's Environmental Assessment Report that appears to leave the project twisting in the wind.

For how long, however, remains unclear.

In a June 19 letter addressed to SkyPower Corporation VP Charmaine Thompson, Deputy Minister of Environment Nancy Vanstone states quite simply, "I have determined that the registration information provided is insufficient to allow me to make a decision."

The letter boils down to numerous requests for additional information before the Ministry of Environment can proceed with issuing a yay or nay. It does not make clear whether these are issues that should have been resolved previously, or whether these are new concerns discovered during the review process.

Some examples of the Deputy Minister's requests:

SkyPower will have to provide more data about the impact of turbine placement on landscape connectivity and species movement.

Noise simulations will have to be recalibrated to account for the effects of the ocean on noise levels.

More information is needed about how SkyPower plans to reduce public exposure to noise.

Further study is required to identify potential sources of low-frequency noise and address any related health concerns.

Less specifically, "SkyPower Corp. must provide the details of all issues and concerns raised by local residents and how the company proposes to address them."

In a recent newsletter, SkyPower and partner Scotian Windfields Inc. had predicted the Ministry of Environment would approve their Environmental Assessment Review by the end of June.

That optimism now appears to have been premature.

SkyPower has one year to respond. The Minister will have 50 days to issue a judgment on the appended submission.

Construction of the 30-megawatt development was supposed to begin this September. The facility was expected to become operational as early as Spring 2010.

The June 19 decision would appear to jeopardize that September start date. Looking at the measurements, consultations, and re-analysis required to comply with the Deputy Minister's missive, it is difficult to predict just how long the Digby Wind Power Project will need to find its second wind.

The Courier has contacted SkyPower Corp, Scotian Windfields Inc., DoE's Environmental Assessment Branch, and the Municipality of the County of Digby for comments. Updates will be published as those perspectives become available.

To read the Deputy Minister's letter, visit www.gov.ns.ca

ICSP Meetings

Session 1: SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ISSUES - COMPLETED

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 17, from 7 - 9:00 PM

Venue: Digby Fire Hall

Session 2: ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 24, from 7 - 9:00 PM

Venue: Digby Fire Hall

Every municipality in Canada is required to develop an ICSP if they are to receive direct transfers of federal gas tax revenue. As well as providing a vision for Digby's future, the ICSPs will identify key projects that will promote long-term sustainable growth and prosperity.

The committee that is developing the plan includes members of the town's Planning Advisory Committee (PAC). They are council members Jean Brittain, Brian Manzer, Ron Matsusaki and Mayor Ben Cleveland. The citizen members of PAC are Lori VanTassell and John Nichols. Guiding the ICSP process are 4Site Marketing consultants Chris Miller and Grant Cooke.

For all the details, please visit the NovaNewsNow website. However, please note that the second meeting is scheduled for June 24, and not June 27, as stated in the article.

Venue
Venue: Digby Fire Hall

SouthwestNova Biosphere Association

Event
Title: Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association Open House & AGM
When: 23 Jun 09 12.00 PM - 03.00 PM
Where: Annapols Royal Canadian Legion - Annapolis Royal
Category: Special Presentation Description
The Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve Association (SNBRA) invites you to share your organization at our Open House on Tuesday, June 23, to demonstrate why we are distinguished as an internationally recognized UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The Open House takes place at the Annapolis Royal Canadian Legion, at 66 Victoria Street, from 12:00 - 1:00 PM, and will include a guest speaker scheduled for 12:30 PM. The Open House will be followed by the SNBRA Annuals General Meeting, from 1:15 - 3:00 PM.

Please RSVP for the Open House & AGM by June 17 by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to Debby Hebb, or call her at (902) 825-5483.

News from Round and About

ADEDA AGM TO FEATURE SPECIAL GUEST
We are pleased to announce that, in a last minute coup, we were able to confirm that Mr. Robin McAdam, Nova Scotia Power’s Executive Vice President in charge of Sustainability, will speak at our second Annual General Meeting. We invite one and all to attend the AGM at ABCC’s James Horsfall Memorial Hall this Thursday. Here are the details.

PRODUCTION UP AT LEWIS MOULDINGS
Yet another good news story from Annapolis Digby’s business community! Lewis Mouldings of Weymouth is reporting a 10% increase in production over last May’s numbers. To keep up with demand for their pine mouldings, the company has recently hired 16 new employees. Here’s the whole story.

from Kathleen: Look what Annapolis is doing! see below

BLOOMIN’ ANNAPOLIS ROYAL
In keeping with the principles of the Communities in Bloom program, Annapolis Royal is offering planters to businesses that wish to help beautify the town. Half barrels, complete with earth, will be delivered free of charge to your door — you just need to add seeds, water and a little daily care! Here’s how you can get yours.

Bay of Fundy- Wonder of the World

Subject: VOTE Bay of Fundy for 7 Wonders-- HELP SUSTAINABLE DEV. FOR SW NOVA tomhaynespaton


Diane,chair of the Digby-Annapolis Tourist
Assoc. (DATA) is enlisting our support

Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 7:52 PM
Subject: Fw: Bay of Fundy BACK in 7Wonders


The Bay of Fundy is very important to the Digby
area.
Please take time to vote.
Because of Dinosaur Park's pull out we have been
given a second chance.
This may bring more people to our region
this year.
Please vote.
Thanks,
Dianne
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 6:41 AM
Subject: Bay of Fundy BACK in 7Wonders


YAHOO!!
Bay of Fundy has just been invited back in the New7Wonders of Nature
contest as Canada's sole nominee....apparently Dinosaur Park has been
disqualified and, since Bay of Fundy was within a few votes in the last phase,
we have been reinstated!!


We only have three weeks left in this next phase of voting (ends July 7,
2009) when the top 77 sites will be declared so looking for all the help we can
get to boost the word out there. See press release below if you are able to
forward it to any of your email lists or facebook groups.... do let me know
if you have any questions...


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 16,
2009

The Bay of Fundy is back on the
international stage in the New7Wonders of Nature contest. In an
unprecedented turn of events the Bay of Fundy, which placed
2nd in the first phase of the contest that concluded January 7,
2009 is now representing Canada!


The New7Wonders of Nature organization, based in
Brussels, reinstated the Bay of Fundy this week. "We can
confirm that Dinosaur Provincial Park did not meet the Phase II participation
requirements" said Tia Viering of the New7Wonders. "Therefore, it is with great
pleasure that we announce that the Bay of Fundy is now officially Canada's
national representative.”


“As 2008 came to a close, we knew we
were in an extremely close race to represent Canada in this phase of the
contest,” said Terri McCulloch, Manager Bay of Fundy Tourism. “We were honored
by the incredible number of votes the Bay of Fundy received in the first round
of the contest. We are very passionate about the Bay of Fundy and believe
it is truly a beautiful wonder of nature. We are privileged to represent
Canada and we hope everyone will be as enthusiastic again and vote for the Bay
of Fundy. We only have until July 7th to get as many votes as we
can for this next stage of the contest.”


The Bay of Fundy is best known for
the highest tides in the world and has been compared, in
marine biodiversity, to the Amazon Rainforest. The Bay is the summer feeding
area for half the world's population of endangered North Atlantic
Right whales and 12 other whale species. It is home
to the world's most complete fossil record of the "Coal
Age” (300 million years ago) as well as the world’s oldest reptiles
and Canada’s oldest dinosaurs. UNESCO recently recognized the
upper Bay of Fundy as a Biosphere Reserve and Joggins Fossil Cliffs as a World
Heritage Site.


Canadians from
coast to coast are encouraged to go online
to votemyfundy.com to place their vote before July 7, 2009,
when the top 77 international sites will be short listed. Between July 7
and 21, an independent committee will
select the top 21 to continue into the fourth and final stage of the
campaign. These top 21 sites will also be part of a 2010 New7Wonders world tour
bringing tremendous international attention to the selected sites. Phase four is
the last voting component of the New7Wonders of Nature campaign until the final
announcement is made on who has been selected the New7Wonders of Nature.
“We only have a few weeks left in this phase of
the contest so every vote is important and interested voters can go
to Votemyfundy.com. We are really excited to be back in the running
and we hope we can succeed in getting Canada’s Bay of Fundy into the next
international phase of the campaign,” said Terri McCulloch.


Terri McCulloch



Manager, Bay of Fundy Tourism Partnership


E: terri@bayoffundytourism.com

Japanese Cultural Evening

: I invite you to a Japanese Evening at the Pines, 22ndþ tomhaynespaton
Offline
Send Message
Edit Membership

Dear friends,

Next Monday evening, the 22nd, I will be leading an interactive Japanese
Cultural Evening at the Pines. I do hope you can come.

"A
multi-sensory experience of the mysterious Land of Nippon
through their world-class woodblock prints. Tom
Haynes-Paton, 25-year-resident of Japan
and China, is your guide with personal stories and interactive demonstrations
of Japan's artistic genius."

Attached is a poster for the event. Reservations are made through the Pines
as indicated.

Warm regard,
Tom

Documentary

DOCUMENTARY RIVALS AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH--ONLY FREE TILL SUNDAY on YouTube tomhaynespaton
Offline
Send Message
Edit Membership

HELLO,
"HOME" is a documentary released June 5 in France,
AVALABLE FREE FOR ONLY THE NEXT 3 DAYS on YouTube
where it can be viewed only until June 14, 2009,
THIS SUNDAY. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxENMKaeCU
This is the most precise yet disturbing
documentary on the state of our planet that
I have seen; it is also the most incredibly
beautiful movie footage of our earth.
Its length is 93 minutes. There are specific
recommendations at the end. This France-produced
film should impact the world fully as much as
An Inconvenient Truth did.
I hope you can find the time to view it.
Tom

Recycling Round the World

The Global Face of Recycling

Recycling is such an easy way to be eco-friendly. It saves our natural resources, reduces pollution and creates jobs! It’s a great way to fight climate change every day.

But recycling practices differ worldwide.

Here are some examples of how the global recycling movement varies from country to country as it relates to both policy and profit:

India:

In Dharavi, India, many people make a living by creating their own recycling factories. It is estimated that the self-made recycling industry employs roughly 200,000 people in the country
India recycles roughly 40 percent of their e-waste a year.
Europe:

Austria is by far the leader in this part of the world by recycling roughly 60 percent of its waste
The majority of recycling in the UK is handled by authorities. They institute incentives in order to encourage individuals and businesses to recycle, reduce, and reuse
Japan & China:

In China, recycling isn’t just a citizen responsibility, its become second nature. 2.5 million people are estimated to collect recyclables off the street. These scrap collectors earn the equivalent of $150 a month (about half of what a cab driver earns in that country in the same time frame)
Beijing has built the world’s largest recycling facility and continues to install recycling bins around the city. The city of Beijing hopes to increase their recycling rate from 10% to 80% by 2010

Integrated Community Sustainability Plan

Digby Municipality Public Sessions---Sustainability Plan tomhaynespaton

Attached is the invitation to three public sessions
on the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP).

Tuesday June 16, 2009 at Tiverton
(6:45 to 8:45 pm)

Wednesday June 17, 2009 at Municipal
Office (6:30 to 8:30 pm)

Thursday, June 18, 2009 at Weymouth
Consolidated School (6:30 to 8:30 pm)

"Each session will have the same format; we want to
hear about what you like most about your our community, what you would like to
change and what your hopes and dreams are for its future. Please feel free
to attend whichever session is most convenient."

They want people to register for one of the
sessions by Friday June 12 by emailing DigbyICSP@hotmail.com or phoning Scott
McMillan at Dillon Consulting at 902 450 4000. This is the consultant the
municipality has hired to help with the process.

The Municipality appointed the steering committee
in April. The members are
Warden Jim Thurber
Councillor Randall
Amero
Councillor Linda
Gregory
Donna Tidd
Harold Alexander
Andy Moir
Jim Outhouse
Robert Benson
Bob Langeland