Anne Murray speaks out against proposed N.S. wind farm

The Canadian songbird says she believes the industrial use of land would be the demise of the economy, and explains why a wind farm would be incompatible with the area.

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Anne Murray poses for a photo at her home in Toronto on October 10, 2007. (Aaron Harris / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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CTVNews.ca Staff

Date: Thu. Feb. 23 2012 9:28 AM ET

A Canadian folk music icon has added her voice to the storm of controversy surrounding a proposed Nova Scotia wind farm.

Anne Murray, who is from the province and spends her summers in Pugwash, N.S., told CTV's Canada AM she is opposed to the plan to put 12 turbines on land located about two kilometres from what she said is a "beautiful, quaint, fishing village" surrounded by cottages.

"The area is a vacation place. People have saved up their life savings to build homes there, retirement homes, and you know what happens when these things are put up, property values plummet," Murray said in a phone interview from her winter home in Jupiter, Fla.

"Nova Scotia is virtually uninhabited, you could put thousands and thousand of turbines all over Nova Scotia and you would never hear a peep out of anyone, why would you pick a quaint little place like this? I just don't get it at all."

Murray said she has sent a letter to Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter expressing her opposition to the plan, but hasn't heard back yet.

The project has been proposed by Halifax-based North Cumberland Wind Farm, an affiliate of Atlantic Wind Power Corp. The turbines would be located about two kilometres from Pugwash and would generate 33 megawatts of power.

Murray said she supports Nova Scotia's efforts to move towards sustainable forms of energy and she denied taking a "not in my back yard," position, pointing out that the proposed site would not be visible from her summer home, which she purchased 30 years ago.

She said Nova Scotia, and particularly Pugwash with its rural charm and scenic golf course, depends heavily on tourism as an economic driver. That would be put in jeopardy, she said, if the project is approved.

"People are saying 'Poor Anne, she'll have to look at turbines from her golf course, what a pity.' But they don't realize that the golf course drives the economy and I believe an industrial installation, and industrial use of this land, would be the demise of the economy of the area," Murray said.

North Cumberland Wind Farm had originally wanted to install 27 turbines but has cut back that number to 12, since 2006 when the plan first went forward.

Ron Joyce, the co-founder of Tim Hortons and the owner of the nearby Fox Harb'r golf course, opposes Murray. Joyce has publicly said Nova Scotia already has 26 wind farms, and the benefits of shifting away from fossil fuels outweigh concerns about the appearance of the turbines or the noise they emit.

The deadline for public submissions is March 7.

Nova Scotia could issue a decision on the proposal as early as next month.

Last week, the Gulf Shore Preservation Association complained that the environmental assessment filed for the project is incomplete -- a belief Murray shares.

Murray has campaigned along with the association for years, fighting against wind farm developments in the area.

Comments are now closed for this story

Tim
said

Wow reading over all these comments and the article I don't understand why anyone is wasting time commenting on this. We have real issues at hand right now, Internet spying,election fraud! Come on fellow Canadians Start making some noise on what really matters.

Carol Fall River NS
said

Hurray for Anne! It is good to hear Anne has the courage to stand up for what she believes in. I fully support wind power but not in an area that is on a major migratory bird route, with the resulting bird kill, and which will negatively impact such a beautiful tourist area. It seems the "powers that be" are not using their God given brains. There are thousands of acres of isolated, clear-cut areas in NS - some of which are close to a power grid. Why not consider these locations?

lillian ripley
said

These windmills are not 2 kms from the nearest house, they are 600 meters. The people who live near these "green" projects can tell you how well they have served their communities. This province is full of empty forested areas where there is no population and that's where they should be placed.

Shawn in Mtl
said

While I agree with her that literally thousands could be erected in near wilderness, I see absolutely no issue with them installing some 2 kms from a small fishing village.... And if it's going to lower property values, maybe I'll look to buy there in a couple years and save a bundle! AND on the plus side I actually love the look of these wind mill fars. There's something tranquil and beautiful to them. They look like giant flowers.Sorry Anne, love your music, but I think you're full of hot air on this one.

Linda Pearson
said

I for one is from Cape Breton, N.S. and agree with Anne Murray.These wind mills should be banned period. I would like to see wind mills installed iwithin all levels of Gov't's back yard and hear what they would have to say. Nova Scotian's will have to fight on.... and support Anne as well.Thank you Anne, you are my biggest fan.Linda

MT
said

The Chief Medical Officer of Health published a report in 2010 that stated "The sound level from wind turbines at common residential setbacks is not sufficient to cause hearing impairment or other direct health effects, although some people may find it annoying." Want to find the article: google "wind turnbines health effects" the second link is a pdf doc published by the CMOH in Ontario.

JK
said

I wonder if she would object these being built near one of her other homes in Thornhill or Florida...Did I miss any other places she has?

Ryan
said

For those worried about the noise of wind turbines...You must not live close to a busy road or highway then. The noise is far worse from the passing vehicles, AND add in the exhaust you have to breathe. Why isn't there the same out cry for roads and highways?

Salt and Vinegar
said

Nova Scotia should develop a low emissions coal plant with all their cheap and abundant coal. It would be a global seller.

RealityCzech
said

Swine Warrior said: "For all of the folks writing in support of windmills, I'll make the assumption that most live in or near larger cities (>50,000). Why not put them in or immediately around these cities, like on top of large buildings, or in the lakes/waterways around them."I live in a city of 350,000 and I support wind farms! Sure, put them in my city, although the winds aren't strong enough for that here (or in most cities). Structurally speaking, tall buildings can't handle wind turbines, but thanks for the suggestion, Swine! We need wind power, not urban myths.

Doug ^^^ BC
said

LOL!!!! Good one "Guy in Ontario". And I'm glad you're happy living in the shadow of one of these monstrosities. Please,stay happy THERE.The last thing we need in BC is another Ontarian moving here,with plans to build windmills on some of our most scenic locations. I have no problem with "wind farms".Just build them in more remote locations.Places just as remote as most of our oil fields. LOL!! I guess beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.But "beautiful and majestic" to define a windmill? Give me a break.I'll take mountain views and ocean scenes first.Every time.And I'm not rich,or elitist.

peter in mb
said

So Poor Anne will have to look at turbines from her golf course, what a pity. How about we build a Cole fire power plant instead of the wind turbines. I am really getting sick of these celebrities who clime to be environmental champions that are all talk and no show! They want to shut down the oil sands in Alberta but still drive their gas guzzling SUVs. They want clean energy but don�t want to see the wind turbines or hydro dams. There is a word for this� HypocritesWind turbines are only effective if placed where there are constant prevailing winds just like Hydro dams are only effective when built on a river.

Norm_D
said

To David J. The Dutch built their windmills not to prevent their country from sinking (you're thinking of Venice here) but to claim land that would have normally been under the sea. In other words this land is at or below sea level as it is in New Orleans, LA. Holland is a small country and taking land away from the sea is the only way they can expand. There are several problems with turbines, peak power demands are rarely at the same time that the wind is blowing. Traditionally wind is more constant at night and that is when demand is lowest. Another problems is that these turbines operate at a frequency that is close to the natural frequency of most living mammals including humans. Although rare, this is a very big problem for those who are sensitive to the frequency. No, it is NOT audible. Ask farmers whose animals went weird (for lack of a better term).

Dee
said

These turbines produce a very loud drone sound. They can be heard from inside your home and from great distances. I'm sure there are health risks related to these monsters, not only for people but for animals also. They are ugly and should not be placed near houses. If the government wants them, then let them be put in their back yards and lets see what they think.

peter in mb
said

@Citizen of Canada. They are going to be 2 KM away from this fishing village thats hardly in their backyard. Wind turbines are only effective if placed where there are constant prevailing winds just like hydro dams are only effective when built on a river.

Guy in Ontario
said

I do have one "right in my backyard" in Ontario and I have to say that every morning I look at it (and the others around us) when I get up and think how majestic and beautiful it is. It's a testament to the ingenuity of the human race that we can make clean power like that. It makes me happy to live here.

Derek
said

And for all of you right wingers that choose to turn this into a partisan issue, there are lots of facts to support wind energy. Europe, who tends to be 10 years ahead of us regards to innovation, has reaped huge benefits from wind farms. Any technology in wind and solar energy is only improving, as has fossil fuel technology. A 1957 Cadillac had a mileage rating of 10.6 mpg, compared to today, at 27 mpg! Here are some facts:-Using wind to produce enough power for over 200 homes (2,000,000 kWh) of electricity instead of burning coal will leave 900,000 kilograms of coal in the ground and reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2,000 tonnes. This has the same positive impact as taking 417 cars off the road or planting 10,000 trees-Wind energy supports economic growth: in 2006 the wind industry contributed $1.6 billion to Canada Gross Domestic Product (GDP)-Wind energy does not produce any harmful waterborne emissions, or toxic solid wastes.-Wind energy creates alternative revenues for farmers who lease their land.-Wind energy is becoming even more economic to produce as economies of scale are reached and as electricity prices increase.Sounds like sound economics to me!

Swine Warrior
said

For all of the folks writing in support of windmills, I'll make the assumption that most live in or near larger cities (>50,000). Why not put them in or immediately around these cities, like on top of large buildings, or in the lakes/waterways around them. For example, why not load up the area in Lake Ontario about 2-3 km south of Toronto with windmills. As an 'extra' green aspect, there will be significantly less electricity wastage due to line resistance. Any takers for Toronto? I didn't think so either.By the way, this windmill issue is a key reason why last fall's provincial election in Ontario saw the Liberal gov't get completely shut out of rural Ontario. So bad, that even the Liberals are starting to wonder if it was bad policy to anger so many people.

bryan in ontario
said

have a look at Port Elgin Ontario the CAW bullied through a Wind Turbine despite the opposition from the locals. CAW has a training centre in the small town located beside lake huron. Just Google it and see all about it how they CAW & McGuinty's govt walked all over the town..

MarkinTO
said

These windmills have been proven to cause serious health problems. Difficult to explain but have been conclusively linked to these electric fans. I suspect a lot of people poking fun at the objectors don't actually have to live near one.

dreamer4darkness
said

....But don't you think the wind turbines will ADD to the quaintness of the town? Think of it as decoration.

David
said

Matches Ontario perfectly; they look like trilliums! Not only do they look like trilliums they are very peaceful and display life like a water fall.

Citizen of Canada
said

I wish people here would comment based on what would happen to them if they were in the situation. The question here is not about wanting wind farms, its where to pu them. I would love to see your reaction if they put a turbine in your back yard when they could have put it 100 kms away...Come on...we have alot of space to put these things...

Mark J.
said

The real problem has always been the over-population of the world. For example, if there were only 10 people on the planet, those people could do whatever they want without much impact. Reducing the population of the world is the answer to every environmental problem.

Shar
said

David J: The windmills in the Netherlands were NOT unsightly steel and cement eyesores. They were wooden, painted, much smaller than the windmills the green machine promotes. We had occasion to see one last fall in the Netherlands -- did not distract from the landscape. If you want to see ugly, go to Northern CA to see the steel and cement jungle blighting the landscape tom produce expensive, unreliable power for Californians. Innmy view windmills do far more damage to our environment than the contained oilsands ever will.

Rod
said

She says that it's not because it is in my back yard but I believe if this was being built some where else in Nova Scotia you wouldn't heard a peep from her.

Chris/Manitoba
said

They are certainly better looking than some bloody great coal burning facility with it's huge smokestacks sticking into the air and would also prefer it to nuclear with all it's hazards . I was through the maritimes two years ago and didn't find the wind turbines that intrusive , they are welcome to come and place turbines on my land any time they wish.

MdPinVic
said

As one of Anne's biggest fans she is just wrong on this one. We need to move to sustainable fuel alternatives period. Eventually we will all be glad we did. With the rising cost of oil this is the only viable otion - new methods of energy. I'd rather have this than an oil spill. Some places have actually built interpretive centres so tourist can find out more about the prjects and have capitalized on this. Maybe she should have a section in her museum on new forms of energy. Sorry Anne - big fan but rethink this one.

David
said

"McGuintyitis" disease is now manifesting itself in Nova Scotia? Those poor Nova Scotians.... good luck, you'll need it paying for these unsightly inefficient turbines..

Hoot - Ottawa
said

Go Anne...these "bird blenders" (windmills) are here in Ontario and not only killing birds, they are making people sick. We have so much power here that we in Ontario are paying high prices for and then the Ontario Government is paying the USA to buy the power also because we have too much. We are now a HAVE NOT PROVINCE over this big boondoggle....

Jeff H
said

Ann is NIMBY because property values will decline. Property values will decline because people like Ann are NIMBY. People are NIMBY because property values will decline.What does Ann think climate change and peak oil will do to the golf course tourism economy?

RJ in Halifax
said

I don't want to sound too crass; however, if the homes and cottages are owned by people for their retirement, who cares about "plummeting" property values? They didn't buy/build there for an investment.

David J
said

Imagine if the Dutch had objected to the unsightly windmills that kept their country from sinking beneath the ocean. I also suspect that many Canadians were initially aghast at the giant steel pylons that brought electricity from the remote and unspoiled hinterland generating stations to cities across the country.

joe canada
said

It amazes me how resistant people are to change. I am from NS and hear all the time people complain about windmills and in the next breath complain about coal fired plants. I lived in Germany and windmills are everywhere, and I mean everywhere. I have never heard one bad comment about them. There are several windmills close to where I live and I say bring 'em on. I hope one day to see 100 times what is there now.

Matt in NB
said

When the Owner of the golf course is in support of the wind turbines, then Anne your argument that the "scenic golf course, depends heavily on tourism as an economic driver" Is null and void. Your only true concern is that your property might get devalued, which when it comes to sustainable energy, Trust me peoples last concern is a wealthy entertainers cottage. booohooo go cry somewhere else.

LMG
said

I take it that I am the only one that actually likes how these wind turbines look.

George in Calgary
said

Perhaps the or a wind farm should be put within two kilometres of Halifax since that is where the bulk of the population is located. You use it then you generate it! Or why not in the national park located on Cape Breton Island. No one lives there and most of that land is really just unproductive.

johnny bubble
said

The snowbird can't win on this one - it is like being opposed to the family and motherhood.Anne, fight a battle you can win.

kg1
said

To AL: I am just wondering what country you live you, where you want to deny the elderly the right to vote! Its because of the elderly that you are here in the first place. They did not deny your right to express your opinion by allowing you to vote so how about taking off your blinders and realizing that it is the current generations who were born in the 1960's and up who have created the problem by insisting on better, faster and damn the environment.,

Really?
said

Another shining example of how the older generation simply doesn't understand or appreciate the problems they are leaving to the younger generation. Perhaps lets burn coal instead? Thats the answer. Anne just completely lost any credibility with me.

IslandGuy
said

Do I see a benefit concert coming up? Could Anne change the words of her hit song Snowbird? " Spread you great big wings and fly away..."!

mary
said

I agree with Mark from Alberta. It`s okay in someone elses back yard but not the rich.I don`t see why they are any harm to the environment europe is covered with them and they have no problems. If I lived in the country I wouldn`t have a problem with one in my back yard.I would have one now but I live in town with to close of neighbours.

Dr Bear
said

I did strike me as interesting that she was making the announcement from her winter home in Jupiter Florida. Never the less she does have a point that much of Nova Scotia is uninhabited and they could be put elsewhere. However I disagree that it would disrupt tourism. They could be a tourist attraction in their own right (there is one just east of San Francisco and it's billed as an attraction). Think of all the kids who are with their family on a road trip, who'd see it and say "Woah! Look at that! Can we stop and take a look?" I know I was one of those kids and still am as an adult.

Spare Me
said

Wind farms and solar farms are visual pollution with only modest energy output. That any lefty could support ruining our natural landscape aesthetic and environmental scenery with these eyesores is highly amusing. (Mindless hypocrites.) As our population continues to grow, these blights on our countryside will be a delightfully ugly "gift" to our children and our grandchildren. (Bravo, people.) Pursue "green" or "sustainable" energy for the future? Yes; absolutely. However, let's at least pay sensible attention to nature of source and placement, folks.

Will
said

NIMBYism at its finest. Got to love it.

smugdog
said

not in anne murrays back yard.

bob
said

God forbid you have to look at wind turbines to save our future.

Intelligent Liberal
said

Classic NIMBY, sorry Anne. There are equally quaint villages all over Nova Scotia, you just happen to own your mansion near this one. On the other hand, these things are horrific regardless where they are placed. Stupid idea to pollute the earth with unsightly metal towers.

KC BC
said

Don't put any of this stuff in my back yard either ! The damn things spoil my view of the Rockies when we return home from Calgary. Just a tad bit of sarcasm here!!! if we want a shift from fossil fuels, we all must do our bit. There is a huge wind farm east of the Crowsnest Pass and the electricity goes at least partly to run the LRT in Calgary. Alberta is not just focused on oil.

JEP
said

The energy flux density of "green power" isn't high enough to sustain our current levels of technology, culture, and quality of life. This is specifically why the green's push green power - because they know it will result in reduced quality of life and eventual death of the society which uses it. Just look at how green power has made other smaller countries go broke. That's green power doing what it is designed to do. The future still exists if we deign to think about it. In the future we want safe, high energy flux density, extremely cheap, widely available, energy to sustain higher and higher qualities of life and freedom. Green power can not provide that...it is too weak. In the future, we can and have developed safe and ultra-efficient nuclear power because we're gotten our act together and spent money on these things that matter, rather than bailing out bankrupt gambling institutions err. I man banks.

Al
said

I wish the old people would just get thier noses out of issues that concern the new generation of people. People over 70 she not have the right to vote because they got us into this environmental crisis. "Oh it looks terrible" but it's the best way to avoid damning up rivers and using coal as a source of energy and we all know how Nova Scotia is a coal burning province. Does she also know that the geographical placement of these farms are crucial to the production of energy. Oh yeah, she only reads the news from her "Florida Home."

ab lafontain
said

I second this It's funny how some people are all in favor of green energy, but don't want it anywhere near their 'million dollar view'. Specifically the Kennedys come to my mind with their objection to having turbines near their summer homes, but are all in favor of the alternative energy. Better to put the unslightly turbines where the peasants live.

Paul
said

If they don't like green energy, then lets build a nuclear reactor in their back yards instead. Or let them pay for the power lines to be put in from Labrador.

Aaron
said

Wind turbines and solar also makes bad economic sense. Check out California, Europe, particularly Spain, and now Ontario. Bad and corrupt policy.

URU
said

Perhaps is she cares so much about the environment she should give up her fortunate to protect it?

stephen weiss
said

I do believe that we should keep the impact low in on our communities. But there is an other issue that are affecting people who would want to take part or help themselves to make/save money by putting wind power on their land. in King's co has past a by-law limiting the numbers of wind turbine to two on private land. This allow companies like Atlantic Wind power to keep others from growing the opportunity and having competition. The only way someone could get into the energy saving is to sale their land to already existing companies. I do believe that we do not want wind turbines everywhere but we should not limit then, we should apply to start building wind turbines. which would allow others to take part in this growing industry.

surroundedbyIWT's
said

How little you both understand. IWT's are not green energy. Being labeled as a NIMBY simply because you show concern is too simplistic. Before you judge come and live in the middle of a rural industrialized area. Valuable farmland is taken up, property tax bases drop, property values drop, communities are split, people are gagged and not allowed so speak about their problems and then there are the health issues. Even the Ontario Auditor General has spoken about the folly of IWT's.

jackie madden
said

i totally agree with ann , there are wind mills on the west side in pubnico , homes were not worth what they were before plus , wind power *never goes in mnova scotia power it all goes to the states , if it did go to nova scotia then y is the power bills so high ? clue in prime minister what does nova scotia get out of this NOTHING BUT HARDACHES !!!!!!!!!

Shar
said

Windmills are a blight on our landscape. The green machine worries about a small area in Northern Alberta where the oil sands are but think putting up huge steel and cement eyesores on our landscape is just fine! Apart from the amount of energy needed to produce the ugly things, the power is very expensive and not reliable. And, what about the birds who mistakenly fly in their path?

Lillian Ripley
said

Good for you Anne. Most people are unaware that the only reason these windmills are being placed here is because there is a nearby grid where they will sell the power and no one in this community will benefit. This project will destroy this area for tourism, recreation and therefore our village of Pugwash.

Gerald
said

That's progress Anne. 12 turbines ain't so bad. Just paint them up to look like trees....but seriously, would you rather have some crude wash up on the beaches ?

Mark - Alberta
said

It's funny how some people are all in favor of green energy, but don't want it anywhere near their 'million dollar view'. Specifically the Kennedys come to my mind with their objection to having turbines near their summer homes, but are all in favor of the alternative energy. Better to put the unslightly turbines where the peasants live.

PEI Fella
said

Keep your nose out of it Murray. It wouldn't bother you if it was next to someone else's "quaint little village".

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