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Origin - HRM’s Regional Plan calls for development of a Wind Generation Master Plan.
This piece of work has been awarded to Jacques Whitford Ltd.
The anticipated completion date for the work is April 2006.
Scope of Work - The Consultant will provide the Halifax Regional Municipality with:
A. An assessment of the potential to accommodate the development of large scale, commercial wind generated energy projects within HRM, including a review of financial incentives and the regulatory framework applicable to the industry. This assessment should include a review of how wind energy projects are regulated in other Canadian jurisdictions in the context of the various regulatory approaches available to HRM. This should include but not be limited to consideration of “by-right” zoning regulations as well as discretionary approval processes such as, re-zoning, Site Plan approvals and Development Agreements.
B. Recommendations as to the appropriate regulatory mechanism to accommodate this land use and govern the location and physical aspects of wind energy facilities. These recommendations shall include, but not be limited to regulation of height, separation distances (from property lines and other land uses), noise, ancillary uses and structures and ground clearances for wind energy facilities. The consultant shall also recommend appropriate means for protecting significant public view planes and vistas. The consultant shall recommend best practices for minimizing impacts related to site disturbance, tower and blade failure and for addressing impacts related to site abandonment and reclamation.
C. An assessment of the existing potential to develop small scale individually-owned and operated wind turbines as auxiliary power sources in conjunction with any uses permitted under current regulatory framework. This should include an assessment of the potential impacts and recommendations for the Municipality to consider in adopting appropriate changes to existing land use regulations in order to minimize potential impacts.
D. An assessment of the potential for developing wind energy projects on municipally owned properties such as: the Lake Major Watershed, Tomahawk Lake and Pockwock Watersheds, Otter Lake Landfill, Sackville Landfill, Western and Mainland Commons as well as a general discussion of municipal partnership opportunities.
E. An assessment and documentation of wind energy development potential across the municipality, to serve as a resource to wind energy project developers within HRM. This assessment should include but not be limited to prevailing winds, topography, access to power transmission lines, compatibility of adjacent land uses, environmental conditions and cultural conditions.
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