With 13 of 19 grid-scale wind power projects proposed but now rejected by the “host” municipalities, the verdict is in: Ontario’s rural communities do not support industrial-scale wind power development.
Most of Ontario’s municipal councils presented with new proposals for industrial-scale or grid-scale wind power sites voted against the power projects. In council discussions it was clear that councillors thought the communities they represent support the need to protect Ontario’s farmland, and to support agriculture, as put forward in the province’s Provincial Policy Statement or PPS.
As we at WCO saw, attending most of the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) “engagement” events throughout 2024 and 2025, the wind power lobby and the IESO did not seem to take that seriously. They preferred to talk about how we need power for data centres and urban growth, while municipalities and rural citizens were talking about food.
The core of the PPS is that protection of agricultural land is important, and any proposed land uses cannot hinder agriculture. The IESO or Independent Electricity System Operator, however, reduced the protection of farmland to a rated criteria point system. IESO insists the final authority is the municipality and its Official Plan, not the PPS. That indicates a lack of understanding of the hierarchy of authorities, and planning principles in Ontario.
Municipal councils heard many citizen delegations and it was clear that the people of Ontario are concerned about the future of agriculture and the security of our local food supply.
Other concerns were related to the industrialization of rural communities, and risks to wildlife, water, and other businesses in the area.
At the Council meeting in Chatham-Kent in early October, several farmers spoke, including one who alleged, “The IESO has no respect for agriculture or for farmers.”
Another said, “We feed Chatham-Kent, Ontario, and Canada.”
A few weeks ago, the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario published a commentary titled “Windy Business”, which was also published in Ontario Farmer news.
The municipalities objecting to new wind power projects are doing so “not out of fear but out of experience,” the commentary stated.
“Those who oppose Industrial Wind Turbines argue that the costs—both hidden and visible—far outweigh the benefits. While proponents often promote turbines as a clean energy solution, the reality is more complicated. The environmental footprint of their construction, the destruction of prime farmland, the disruption to wildlife habitats, and the sheer scale of industrialization on rural landscapes cannot be ignored.”
The author, Charlotte Cuthbert, described Ontario’s continuing wind power push as an “experiment” on rural Ontario.
What lies ahead? A few grid-scale projects will go forward, having based their proposals on promises of local jobs (temporary), and the assurance of reliable and affordable power (not true). What we’ll get is more expensive, unreliable, weather-dependent, low-density power to Ontario that will result in higher electricity bills and less stability on the power grid.
Jane Wilson
President
WIND CONCERNS ONTARIO
On Facebook at WindConcernsOntario and X at WindConcernsONT