THUNDER BAY – John Laforet, President of Wind Concerns Ontario is making his second trip to Thunder Bay on Monday April 4th 2011 to encourage Thunder Bay City Council to defer a decision on the terms of settlement to Horizon Wind Inc.’s $126 Million dollar lawsuit against the City until there has been time to fully understand the impact of the agreement. News that this item would be considered was not released until Friday April 1st 2011 giving residents and concerned stakeholders little time to prepare for this meeting.
‘The message to wind developers can’t be as simple as: “just sue and we’ll roll over and play dead for you.” Laforet Said.
‘Wind Concerns Ontario is gravely concerned about the precedent the terms of settlement would set for the future of wind development in Thunder Bay, and around Ontario. The public portions of these draft deal would deliver a significant blow to the property rights of wind project participants, citizen involvement in the decision making process and the few rights municipalities have left in these decisions.’ Laforet said ‘While I recognize the City of Thunder Bay’s desire to settle this intimidating lawsuit brought against it by the local wind developer, I’m hopeful Councillors will recognize their responsibility to act with diligence and remember their duty is to citizens to do what is best for them and the City. Settling at any cost, with so little time to fully digest the impact certainly isn’t in the best interests of residents.”
Taking the first flight out of Toronto on Monday morning, John Laforet is hopeful he will be able to meet with a number of members of Council in addition to providing a formal deputation prior to the vote. He will also join the Nor’Wester Mountain Escarpment Protection Committee’s planned rally and Press Conference at City Hall prior to the meeting.
In December of 2010 John Laforet started Wind Concerns Ontario’s province wide tour in Thunder Bay during a two-day visit that involved meetings with local residents, elected officials, experts, a tour of the proposed development and a public meeting at the South Neebing Community Centre.