Company behind Antigonish Co. wind farm applauds approval from province

The company behind the Eigg Mountain Wind Project in Antigonish County, applauds the province for giving it the green light.

An environmental assessment was approved late last week for the farm that is slated to have 22 turbines near Connors Mountain Road. It will produce roughly 150 MW of power and create about 250 jobs over 35 years.

In a statement, Renewable Energy Systems Canada (RES) says through community feedback and an independent assessment they will work to “mitigate any adverse or significant environmental effects related to the proposed wind project.”

They have a list of measures they will implement including things like avoiding wetlands and natural habitats, keeping two turbines as alternates, continue to monitor for species and listening to feedback.

Construction is expected to start in 2027 with a completion date in 2028.

Moose group to take action

The Moose Conservation Association of Nova Scotia (MCANS) says the approval comes with “profound sadness and disappointment”.

In a statement, President Al Muir calls Minister Tim Halman’s acceptance of the project, “shortsighted”.

“As the final judge and jury of the fate of the resident endangered mainland moose population, Mr. Halman, with his action, assumed the added role of their executioner,” says Muir.

His comments come after several weeks of effort from him to kybosh the plan. He even created a campaign to urge the public to write to Halman, to help stop it.

Muir says, the nearly 500-paged document accompanying Halman’s decision, outlines a large number of objections. In addition, he says, the project will interfere with the 2021 Moose Recovery Plan to support population growth.

Now that the farm has been approved, Muir plans to take legal action.