An Introduction to Wind Energy Development in Canada

The guide joins a growing list of resources to help lead responsible and sustainable development of wind power in Canada. Last year the national wind energy association released the industry’s first Best Practices in Community Engagement and Public Consultation.

Titled "An Introduction to Wind Energy Development in Canada", the guide is intended as a key tool in providing information to the public and wind turbines developers not yet familiar with the Canadian wind power development context. It effectively acts to aid municipal governments and community stakeholders in broadly understanding all aspects of wind farm development in Canada. The majority of the document identifies vital issues in wind energy development such as potential environmental impacts, safety issues and socioeconomic implications and explains how these issues are addressed within the project development process.

"Our members deal with a myriad of scientific, environmental and technical matters on a daily basis. This guide is aimed at informing the broad stakeholder community in Canada about the complex and diverse range of issues that must be considered in the course of responsible wind energy development," said Hornung, CanWEA President. "More importantly, it illustrates how responsible wind energy project developers use a variety of practical tools to ensure that these issues are adequately examined and addressed."

"An Introduction to Wind Energy Development in Canada" was a joint project involving CanWEA, Tetra Tech Inc., a leading provider of consulting, engineering, technical, and construction services worldwide, and Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, a leading law practice with substantial renewable energy experience. It adds to the growing library of CanWEA guidance documents and best practices for advocates of sustainable wind energy development in this country.

www.canwea.ca/about/communityengagement_e.php