Friday, September 25, 2009

Wind Turbine Survey Results

1. I agree with the Government encouraging alternative forms of energy development.
Yes: 28
No: 0
Unsure: 2

I support Wind Projects as an alternative source of energy.
Yes: 14
No: 11
Unsure: 3

I agree with having Wind Projects built in Prince Edward County.
Yes: 7
No: 15
Unsure: 4

Wind Projects would provide much needed revenues to Prince Edward County
Yes: 6
No: 18
Unsure: 6

I have concerns about Wind Projects being built in Prince Edward County
Yes: 21
No: 7
Unsure: 1

Wind Projects would be detrimental to Prince Edward County tourism
Yes: 17
No: 8
Unsure: 4

Wind Projects would be detrimental to Prince Edward County property values
Yes: 20
No: 8
Unsure: 1

I agree with Prince Edward County having Wind Projects if proper setbacks are adhered to.
Yes: 13
No: 12
Unsure: 3

I have concerns about Wind Projects and my health
Yes: 18
No: 9
Unsure: 3

I agree with the building of Wind Turbines if adequate setbacks between a Wind Turbine and a residence are:
a. 550 metres: Yes: 2 No: 2.
b. 1500 metres: Yes: 4 No: 2 Unsure: 3
c. 2000 metres: Yes: 1 No: 2
d. over 200 metres: Yes: 8 No: 21.

I agree to Wind Projects being built in Prince Edward County if the number of Wind Turbines are limited per project, or site to:
a. 12 Yes: 5 No: 5 Unsure: 2
b. 25 Yes: 0 No: 5
c: 50 Yes: 4 No: 6 Unsure 1
d: 75 Yes: 0 N0: 5
e: No restrictions: Yes: 5 No: 51.

I agree to Wind Projects being built in Prince Edward County if the TOTAL number of Wind Turbines are limited to:
a: 12: Yes: 3 No:2
b. 50 or less: Yes: 3 No: 3
c: 100 or less: Yes: 3 No: 3
d: 200 or less: Yes: 1 No: 3
e: 500 or less: Yes: 2 No: 3
f: No restrictions: Yes: 3 No:3

I support offshore Wind Projects if the distance from shore is over:
a: 2000 metres (2 km): Yes: 2
b: 6000 metres (6 km): Yes: 8
c: 10,000 metres (10 km): Yes: 4
d: No restrictions: Yes: 6

Wind Turbine Survey - Comments

COMMENTS
Transcribed in no particular order….

All wind turbine projects are predicated on where they are located. There is a large tract of land along the south shore, south of army reserve rd – ideal place for limited number of windmills. But transmission should be underground to limit the potential damage.
Finally most importantly – NO development should be permitted until there is a comprehensive alternate energy plan drafted for the County.
This plan must be sustainable and meet best practices for the community.

Major wind energy development is needed to reduce air pollution and resulting health costs and to extend the life of the fossil fuel supply. It supports family farms and rural economy and will not scare any tourists away.
I see wind turbines as a major step towards a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.

I believe there is insufficient data available regarding the effects of wind turbines on the health and well-being of people living in the proximity of the projects to enable us to simply decide to go ahead for the benefit of the few who will benefit from leasing of farmlands to their development.

There is a lot of information left out about the economics of windmills. The Federal government gives a grant of $10.00 per KW capability of each windmill. We do not know how much the Provincial government gives the producers of electricity are paid a premium price by Ontario generation while the consumer pays 5-6 cents per KW (and we still pay to have sent to us and pay hydro’s debt).
So the taxpayer is heavily subsidizing these projects which at best run 60% of the time and have to be taken off line for maintenance.
The system is inefficient and Mr. Smitherman knows it so he can promote nuclear energy.

The programs supporting alternative energy are a sham. Geo thermal would supply good heating and cooling but cost for new construction is prohibitive (no rebates – no incentive). Heating and cooling our homes and business consumes a lot of energy.
Solar hot water is also a large consumption of energy. The program again means you have to go through bureaucratic hoops. People making money to tell you what you already know.
In order to get the rebates we need not only to oppose but provide alternative.

Note: the timing of this survey is not the best.
This is the busiest time of the year.New information related to distance and health concerns are coming on stream as we speak.

The European experience has been mixed. There are issues of reliability, oscillation and storage that have not been fully addressed.
Further I do not agree with grant programs that do not provide a payback to taxpayers that substantially front the costs.
If private enterprise wants to do this, the cost should be born by shareholders not the taxpayers.

I feel this wind energy fever is a misplaced dumping ground for a lot of people wish to do good environmentally.
However, to ruin the natural beauty of a place like the County is a net loss for everyone and earth.
Apparently countries with extensive wind turbine developments have experienced no reduction in fossil fuel use, which I guess is the perceived goal of wind energy, so why would it be different here.

Brainstorming sessions without the rush to do something immediately, while the easy handouts are available, could lead to numerous and varied alternatives to big, dumb turbines littering the landscape and have an actual and verifiable reduction in fossil fuel use.
I also think it is great you are doing this survey and I assume it is with the intent of coming out publically with your findings.
Then as a highly visible presence in the community, everyone will know where the Chamber stands on this issue, which of course you will know when you analyze these surveys.

I don’t support any turbines on Prince Edward Point or anywhere near or in sight of Sandbanks or North Beach Provincial Parks.
I mostly so not support wind projects as they have been proposed in Ontario to date. I think that wind power projects might have a place in an overall alternative energy initiative that includes other types of alternative energy but I believe these projects must be carefully planned so as not to damage the communities and countryside and waterfront where there are places.

The projects proposed will probably decrease much need revenue for Prince Edward County. It seems clear that property values and tourism will drop id these projects go forward.
The damage will outweigh the benefits.

Thank you for taking this survey.
Wind turbines over 50 feet in height should not be allowed in Prince Edward County. PEC is a populated, vibrant, beautiful destination point that Ontario needs and cannot lose. Wind turbines will decrease property values, health, landscapes and the aesthetic desirability for Ontarians and others to visit, shop, enjoy and possibly reside in this beautiful jewel Ontario has. Ontario only has 4 to 6 “Jewels” to attract tourism, places for our seniors or approaching seniors to retire or buy …….. homes.
PEC ranks with Niagara region Ottawa, Muskoka, Oak Ridges, as pristine cultural, agricultural areas in Ontario. All should have ugly large noisy expensive wind turbines banned forever.

I agree with the proposal put forth by 3 men from Big Island – small scale wind projects, solar panel, geothermal units, etc. with grants from governments. Not foreign huge scale towers.

Deseronto Transit

As many of you may have seen in this week's County Weekly, there is now public transit available from Picton and Bloomfield to Belleville.
Deseronto Transit will be running buses from Macauley Village, the Crystal Palace, Metro, and the Bloomfield Post Office, going to the Belleville Bus Terminal, the Bayview Mall, and Shoppers Drug Mart in Belleville.
Buses run throughout the day at convenient times for commuters departing to and from the County regularly.
Tickets are very affordable and there is even an option for a monthly pass, or a book of 10.
This is great news for tourists that do not wish to drive here and want to take the bus or train to Belleville and then come to the County because there is now affordable public transit.
For complete fare and schedule information check out www.deseronto.ca
or the ad in this week's issue of the County Weekly.

Message from the President (August 2009)


From the desk of Dave Ashton:

Summer has arrived and with it, the tourists. “Waring's Corner” may be one of their first attractions or hurdle with the addition of the new round-about.
This scenic addition compliments our new home building centre, Home Hardware, the new expansion of the Waring House and marks a welcoming entrance to the Picton area.

The County has received some wonderful news from our Provincial and Federal governments with the announcement of money coming to the County in support of the building of the Wellington Community Centre and County Youth Park in Picton.
These projects will be great assets.
The Provincial government has been on a summer recess so there has been no further word on the implementation of the “Tourism Competitiveness Report”.
We will keep you informed as information comes in.
Our office has received many calls and emails regarding the proposed Wind Farm developments in the County and we have been asked to issue a statement against the development.
As our organization is made up of many members with diverse opinions, we cannot make a statement for or against however, your Chamber would like to have member feedback on this important issue.
Please fill out the survey and return it to us.
PECCTAC will send the survey results and comments to our local and provincial government representatives.

In addition we keep our members informed of important and informative meetings on topics that could have an effect on member businesses.
Although the Board of Directors has adjourned for the summer, we continue to work hard with all our partners and we look forward to September when we can plan for next year.
A strong membership makes strong Chamber members.

Dave

Advocacy: Wind Farms Survey

PECCTAC is interested in securing your input on the potential impact of WIND FARMS being built in Prince Edward County.
Please take a couple of minutes to complete the SURVEY.
The results of this survey will be forwarded to the Mayor and Councillors of Prince Edward County as well as our MPP Mrs. Leona Dombrowsky.
Once completed please send or drop off to PECCTAC at 116 Main St., Picton.

Obtain a copy of the survey from www.pecchamber.com
click on : Wind Farms Survey

PECCTAC is looking for IT-Support

Details can be obtained at the PECCTAC Office or website @ www.pecchamber.com click on “IT RFP” .
Start date October 2009
Written proposals only to:
The Prince Edward County Chamber of Tourism & Commerce116 Main St., Picton, ON, K0K 2T0
or e-mail manager@pecchamber.com

Welcome Centres open for business

If you drive by Carrying Place and are looking for the Welcome Centre, it has moved!
The Welcome Centre is located at Sprenkle’s Meat & Variety at 22186 Loyalist Pkwy.
This year we have students assisting travellers at this Welcome Centre thanks to funding through the Bay of Quinte Tourist Council.

We also want to thank Jerry Sprenkle and staff for their support.

Being your own boss

The Prince Edward County Chamber of Tourism & Commerce has been an active participant of the BYOB project.
The key reason that BYOB has been a big success to date is the continued support to help local youth establish their own businesses and gain new entrepreneurial skills that will help them in their future careers as business people.
So far this year The East Central Ontario Training Board has hosted 3 youth entrepreneur camps that involved approximately 200 local students in full day activities and learning, with another 2 camps to be held in the fall.
The feedback from the students has been very positive. To date there has been 9 young entrepreneurs accepted into the program for support and access to the $3,000 startup grant.
Some great businesses have already begun, ranging from a construction and design business, a database management company to a masonry company.
It is the goal to increase the number of participants before the end of this worthy initiative.

Again: Summer Kick-off

Our thanks to the Prince Edward Yacht Club for hosting the June Meet & Greet.
The best turnout ever with over 75 members.

The Meet & Greets are the best opportunity for members to connect with fellow business owners.
Find out what is going on in your community and tell others what is new about your business.

Tourism Ambassador (C-TAT) Program Update

Community Living Prince Edward & Prince Edward Learning Centre are partnering to offer County Tourism Ambassador Training to adults supported by Community Living.
The participants are all working and volunteering in The County and Belleville, and the training will help them to be even more effective in their jobs.
The training will run over a 4 week period:
July 22 & 29 and August 5 & 12;
9:30am – 12:00pm.

Anyone wishing to be a guest speaker or offer support, can call Lori @ 613-476-1811.

Dates to remember

Next Meet & Greet:

October 20: Loyalist Lofts

December 8: Brown's Manor B&B

Increase your business

Attention AAPEC Members:
The AAPEC (Webervations) calendar is set so visitors know what you have available.
If you are listed on any other website be sure the availability calendar is directed to YOUR AAPEC calender and has a weblink to www.pecchamber.com.

Enhance your online business presence

Advertise on PECCTAC’s Website http://www.pecchamber.com/
With over 3.8 million hits in the last three years your business can be front and centre.

PECCTAC has created 2 ways to get your business online.

Space is limited so call today – 613.476.2421.

Welcome New Members!

+ Economic Planning Group (Tourism Consultants)
+ Chestnut Park Real Estate Ltd.

Thank you for your support!

Are you paying too much?

VISA - 1.68%
MasterCard - 1.79%
Interac - $0.09
CALL US TODAY TO GET THESE GREAT RATES!
613.476.2421 or e-mail pec@reach.net

Newsletter insert

Let all your fellow members know what your business is doing or special features/events that are coming up.

For $50.00 you can insert a8 ½ x 11” flyer/brochure into the PECCTAC newsletter.

Quinte Business Achievement Award - Ger Ready!

PECCTAC has received a number of nominations for the Quinte Business Achievement Awards!The businesses nominated will be contacted and the winners will be presented at the Awards Banquet on Friday, October 23rd held at the RCF Museum in Trenton.
Come out and join your fellow business members and help celebrate the outstanding business people in Prince Edward County.
For further information go to www.qbaa.ca
5:30 pm Cocktails
6:30 pm dinner
8 pm awards
Tickets $45 per person.
Available at the PECCTAC office.

Membership has its benefits!

Are you taking advantage of all the benefits PECCTAC has to offer?
Group Health Insurance:
With the Ontario Government decreasing the benefits you receive in healthcare coverage, PECCTAC members have the opportunity to be covered by our group health insurance plan. PECCTAC’s group insurance plan covers:
chiropractic and physiotherapy treatments, eye exams, acupuncturist, masseur, naturopath, osteopath, podiatrist and more.
Contact PECCTAC’s insurance representative Shannon Neely for a personal confidential quote. Phone 613.966.1020.
Group Home & Car Insurance:
Don’t pass up this great opportunity to save money on your home and car insurance.
Call Don Stanton at 613.476.2776.

Tourism Update


It’s been an interesting year to say the least.
The Visitor’s Office has been very busy so we are very pleased to have Dylan Marecak helping us out.
Dylan was born in Kingston, ON and re-located to the Quinte area in 2005.
Dylan graduated from Bayside Secondary School this past June and is fully bilingual, having spent 14 years in French Immersion.
This fall he will be attending the University of Guelph.

OCC - Global Pandemic Tool Kit

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is reminding businesses throughout Ontario to be vigilant in protecting their operations and employees from possible effects of a global pandemic, by issuing an updated pandemic planning guide.

“The quick reaction to the situation occurring in Mexico shows us that we have learned a great deal from past experiences, and yet, research continues to show that while many businesses are aware of the possible impacts of a pandemic, few have made preparations so that they can deal with this possibility,” explains Len Crispino, President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
The Pandemic Planning Tool Kit was first released in January 2007 to businesses across the province in an effort to minimize disruption to the province’s economy in the case of a pandemic or other widespread emergency.
A national survey confirmed in 2008 that half of Canadian businesses over 500 employees still have no plan to manage a pandemic.
The tool kit includes the following:
• Estimates of potential staff absences
• Legislative requirements governing staff absences during an emergency and subsequent return to work
• List of possible effects to services and business operations
• Prevention techniques to limit the spread of disease•
Business continuity checklist

Additional resources:
The Pandemic Planning Tool Kit is available at: http://occ.on.ca/pandemic-planning-tool-kit

Great Summer Kick-off Meet & Greet


Thanks to the Prince Edward Yacht Club for hosting this year's Summer Kick-off Meet & Greet at their beautiful Location on Picton harbour.
We enjoyed a record number of members as well as new and potential members with lively discussions and presentations of new businesses and business opportunities in Prince Edward County.
Thanks everybody for making this a great success!

Dan Aykroyd's Ideal Route Starts In Prince Edward County!

Today's, June 13th issue of the Toronto Star features the article "On the road with Dan Aykroyd" in the Travel section.
Aykroyd shares his dream wine route and says that he would start in Prince Edward County!

Aykroyd says he would begin his trip in mid October with about a dozen friends driving some Harley Davidsons and a couple of vintage cars.
They would stop for lunch on the patio of Lake on the Mountain Resort.
He says, " They have a wonderful kitchen and serve a great tourtiere with homemade chili relish."
Aykroyd then says they would push on through Picton which is filled with great restaurants.

Aykroyd's wine route takes him on to Toronto and the Niagara region.

Our Summer Help is in

We are thrilled to have Elyse Platt return this summer.
Joining her this year is Jarrod Keogh.
Jarrod is completing grade 11.
Please stop in and introduce yourselves.