There’s a lot of hot air about the construction of a wind turbine unit at Cochrane High School.
The controversy has been going on for some months and basically it pits local residents against the turbine, against school students, officials and the company that makes them.
So far there are no winners.
Residents opposing the site basically say the turbine is an eyesore that doesn’t provide enough energy to warrant a place in our community.
Those in favour play the green card saying such energy efficiency is a plus for the school and a rewarding experience for students.
And the vast majority of Cochrane folks couldn’t really care less because it’s not in their backyard. The half-vast don’t care much either.
But a couple of questions I find most interesting especially in light of the project engineer’s statement that media coverage has been unfairly negative and over-inflated.
As we all know engineers have great knowledge of fair, honest and evenly inflated media coverage.
So my questions are:
1.Why would they use a British company?
The promotional material states, “Evance is a trading name of Iskra Wind Turbines Ltd. registered in England.
Fair enough but are there no Canadian wind turbine companies that offer the same service?
2.Why a school yard?
The company’s promotional material under the heading of ‘Locating the Turbine’ has five points and number three is, “The turbine should be located away from busy public areas, e.g. school playgrounds or busy car parks.”
Maybe that caution is only for England.
Maybe such turbines should be built away from schools in England but not in Canada?
Point No. 1 states, “It must also be at least 75m (ideally more) from the nearest neighbour’s property to avoid noise or flicker being an issue, but each site needs to be looked at individually.”
So where does it go from here.
It shouldn’t go anywhere and while students may have lost the benefits of an energy lesson involving windpower they surely must appreciate the lesson in democracy.
Hopefully the students realize it’s important to present all the facts all the time to all the people.
Then to have the courage to listen to the people.
Speaking of courage.
Nov. 11 is next Sunday and once again the Royal Canadian Legion will remember with a service starting at Cochrane High School and finishing at the cenotaph.
Take the time to attend and while you’re there take the time to thank a veteran.
It’s not a big deal. Don’t make a fuss. Just quietly shake the hand of a vet and thank them.
They’re easy to spot.
They’re the folks with medals and easy smiles that have that quiet comfort of being a Canadian and are so proud of having served the country they love.
And we should share that pride. We should share by thanking them for without our vets we would have no freedom. That’s worth a handshake and a thank you.
