Tourism and Turbines

Turbines
vs. tourism
WIND energy proponents continue their campaign
of "greenwashing" as evidenced by the
article "Wind power has big potential" in your July
10edition.
The "win-win" parties alluded to in the article
would not include those of us living in small rural
communities like Pugwash, where a proposed 17-
turbine complex has many residents up in arms
because ofthe threat it poses to the local economy.
One of the critical economic drivers for Pugwash
is "destination tourism." Thousands of cottagers
and retirees come here for the warm-water beaches,
championship golf course and beautiful surroundings.
Local businesses that provide essential services
to the community cannot survive without the profits
from this summer population spike.
Wind energy proponents deny that those seeking
beauty and serenity would be dissuaded from investing
in an area dominated by a noisy and intrusive
turbine complex.
Indeed, some even argue that turbines are themselves
tourist attractions, implying, incredulously,
that those wishing to invest in a recreation/retirement
property, or even a two -week vacation, would
seek out a wind turbine complex to maximize their
enjoyment.
Pugwash can have a wind turbine complex promising
two jobs or "destination tourism" promising
200jobs, but not both. There is no "win-win" here.
Richard M. Gray, Pugwash
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