Wednesday, April 4, 2007 · Page 3 Farmers cautioned on wind power leases CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 "Believe me, I am all for renewable energy, but for ones that provide feasible economic return for my province in the long-term and that do not degenerate one sector's quality of life or long-term viability," she said. Members of ECWAG were also barred from the afternoon meeting. They handed out information sheets at both meetings. Although a largely positive presentation was given by representatives from AIM PowerGen, Ted Cowan cautioned farmers and landowners on lease agreements, providing an updated list of 30 recommendations from the OFA. "I've seen over 30 leases, and there are problems with every one," said Cowan, who outlined key considerations necessary to protect the rights of the farmers contemplating a wind power lease agreement. "Don't sign a lease until you have considered the choices and determined what is best for your farm operation for the next 20 years," he said. Cowan said some wind power companies are not giving a fair share of their profits, typically around 2 per cent, noting that the OFA recommendations call for a rent of 3 per cent for the first eight years, then going up to 8 or 10 per cent. The OFA also suggests that farmers contact their power distribution company to acquire their own right to connect. Farmers were also cautioned on assessment and tax implications. "It's your farm - it's your For All Your Financial & Insurance Needs... If not come see us for top quality See Us customer Today! service and competitive prices. Are You Getting The Service You Deserve? DPM INSURANCE GROUP Phone: (519) 776-6457 Mike Crawley, president of AIM PowerGen, left, answers questions at a wind power meeting March 29 in Tilbury, along with Juan Anderson, an engineer with M.K. Ince, a wind energy consulting firm. AIM is considering a number of wind energy developments in Essex County. 29 Talbot Street North, Essex, Ontario TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE WWW.FORSYTHTRAVEL.COM taxes," said Cowan, noting that the landowner was ultimately responsible for taxes on their property. In addition, Cowan said there was no guarantee that the provincially imposed caps on assessments and taxes would remain in the future. "I don't know, taxes could be 50 times of what they are right now," he said. Outside of lease and legal considerations, there was detailed mention of more serious problems encountered by farmers with nearby wind power installations at the first meeting. Cowan said a farmer had lost some cattle due to problems from stray voltage encountered right after a wind power development was commissioned, an incident that came to the attention of the OFA at the end of last year. Cowan declined to state the location of the incident, except to say it was in Ontario. "If you put your hand on his barn wall you will have 83 volts going through your body," said Cowan, who noted that voltage has a greater effect on cattle because of their large body size, causing changes in the animals watering and feeding habits. "Yes, it could be a problem here," said Cowan, speaking of Essex County's numerous municipal drains and notorious wet soils, which can act as conductors of stray voltage. To make the matter worse, Cowan said the farmer had not been getting help from the power companies or his municipality. "Typically, it was who can run away from the responsibility the fastest," he said. TRAVEL Ltd. ESSEX 776-6439 Established in 1948 · OT 0046911 76 TALBOT ST. N. Apr 28 Tanger Outlet, Howell Michigan $45.00 May 10 Tulip Time, Holland Michigan & Turkeyville $219.00 May 22 Shipshewana Flea Market $65.00 May 26 - June 6 Scotland, Loch Ness, Isle of Skye & more $3289.00 June 9 Grand River Boat Cruise, meal included $83.00 June 13 The Walter's Family, Country Music Show, buffet lunch incl $98.00 June 18-21 Wisconsin Dells, Water Ski Show, House on Rock, Dells Cruise $499.00 June 21 To Kill A Mockingbird, Stratford Fest, lunch included $139.00 June 27 Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, Port Dover, lunch included $98.00 July 30-Aug 12 The Maritimes, Cabot Trail & New England $2099.00 Sept 14-23 European Spree, Germany, Italy, Switzerland & France $3215.00 Wayne St. Denis Associate Eliminate Debt. Build Wealth. Live Life.TM Debt Freedom Canada 250 Tecumseh Road E. Windsor, ON N8X 2R3 www.debtfreedom.ca T 519-776-6978 C 519-982-5563 A bumper sticker seen at the Essex Civic Centre during a wind energy meeting March 29 protests proposals for wind turbine installations in Amherstburg. Amherstburg Mayor Wayne Hurst attended the meeting. Q. A. F uneral ACTS Do I have to purchase a burial concrete vault at all cemeteries? Each cemetery has its own rules and regulations and you may not need an outer concrete vault. Many times it is your choice and we can inform you of when a vault is necessary or an option. Please contact our funeral home for any questions or concerns that you may have regarding the use of vaults. WITHOUT A CONTRACT Paramedics with Sun Parlour Ambulance were joined by Cathy Carroll, secretary treasurer with the Service Employees International Union, left, during an information picket outside the Essex Civic Centre March 30. For your free copy of our no cost or obligation. "Plan at Home Guide", please contact any member of our team or visit our website. We accept the transfer of pre-arranged funerals. Andy Comber / Free Press Kennedy Funeral Home Ltd. 128 Talbot Street North Essex, Ontario N8M 2C4 519-776-7378 kennedyfh.com Your Family, Your Community, Your Funeral Home.