Turbine on Wolfe Island wind farm. Photo by Nicole Kleinsteuber

Wind energy activists see this as an opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint, fight back against global warming, create jobs, generate private income, reduce hydro bills and eliminate coal fire plants to ensure a healthier tomorrow for future generations.

Concerns involving impacts to human health, the environment, endangered species, quality of life, property values, tourism and an intermittent power supply have divided the residents in the county.

This difference in opinion on whether or not wind projects will benefit the area and its inhabitants has led to countless public meetings, letters to government officials, protests and lawsuits.  

Last week The Ontario Federation of Agriculture called on the McGuinty government to stop all wind developments across Ontario saying the issue has separated rural communities, pitting neighbour against neighbour.

The fight against wind has clearly put the residents in Prince Edward County at odds.

The split began about 10 years ago when wind developers such as SkyPower Corp, Vision Quest Windelectric Inc., Gilead Power and most recently Wind Power Development Canada, showed an interest in the county’s rich wind supply and rural setting.

Gilead Power’s proposed plan to construct nine wind turbines along the south shore of the county on Ostrander Point has caused much controversy.  Local environmental groups have appealed to all levels of government requesting they help preserve the Important Bird Area and endangered species that exist within Gilead’s site plan.

Prince Edward Hastings MP Daryl Kramp is working with the activists to have the area deemed a national park.

Prince Edward Hastings MPP Todd Smith has been trying to put political pressure on the province to cease all wind projects until further epidemiological health studies on the effects of wind turbines are completed.

As for the municipality, like Smith council requested a moratorium on all wind developments in Ontario until more studies are concluded on February 2011.   According to the Commissioner of Planning the only response they have received from the province has been, “We’ve received your letter.”

In the meantime, Gilead’s project continues to move forward through the Ministry of Environment’s approval process.  Gilead’s application is in the final stages of approval and they hope to start constructing later this year.  The public has been invited to comment on the project on the ministry’s Environmental Bill of Right’s registry.  On January 17 council voted to submit a list of their concerns to the ministry with the understanding that they will receive a response.

Gilead isn’t the only wind proponent that is stirring up discussions within the community.  Wind Power Development Canada submitted a proposal named the White Pines Wind Project to the ministry in March 2011.  Unlike Gilead, WPD plans to work with private landowners to construct 30 turbines on various properties along the south shore and throughout South Bay and Milford.  Neighbours living adjacent to where the turbines are planned have brought their concerns regarding health impacts, noise and decreased property values to council.

But where Prince Edward County stands on wind energy as a whole?  It’s still undecided and it’s unclear when and if that will ever change.

Prince Edward County Voice is hosting an online discussion on wind turbines on January 25 at 7 p.m.  The sole purpose of this event is to bring the public together and seek ways to solve some of the differences over wind projects that have been impacting the community for over a decade.  Participants have the opportunity to discuss solutions with experts, activists and politicians who are well educated on the topic of wind developments.

It’s important to ask questions, open methods of communication and build bridges so the residents of Prince Edward County can overcome these obstacles.

Throughout my experience as a student at Loyalist College I have learned the importance of assisting the public to come together, become better informed and make decisions about the community we live in.

As a journalist in the 21^st century, I believe there is value in offering a public space that brings the community together with the key objective of finding solutions to pressing issues.

Prince Edward County Voice is a hyperlocal website created with the purpose of acting as a tool utilized by the public.   It aims not only to educate its readers but also to engage them in discussions where they can brainstorm effective solutions.

Confirmed Panelists: Prince Edward Hastings MPP Todd Smith, Prince Edward County Mayor Peter Mertens, former Green Party candidate for Prince Edward Hastings MPP Treat Hull, past president of the PEC federation of agriculture John Thompson and County Sustainability Group member John Legate.

Invited: Kevin Surette, Manager of Communications WPD and Kate Jordan Communications representative Ministry of Environment.

Picton’s town council meeting on Tuesday night was impressive and highly educational to say the least.

John Lyons, a member of Prince Edward County’s heritage advisory committee addressed council requesting to rename Long Reach to Hayward Long Reach.

Bob Wayward and the infamous Miss Supertest III (the fastest hydroplane powerboat in the world) claimed three world championships in Unlimited Hydroplane Racing.

In 1959, Miss Supertest III became a Canadian legend when she claimed victory over American champion Maverick in the challenge for the Harmsworth Trophy on the Detroit River.  It was the first time in 39 years a Canadian entry triumphed over the American.   It was dawn of Canadian dominance in the sport.

Wayward and Miss Supertest III would go on to win their next championship on county soil in 1960.

Local residents and council members can still remember the excitement and adrenaline they felt while watching Miss Supertest III soar over Picton’s Bay.

In 1962, a motion to rename Long Reach to Hayward Long Reach was put in place.  The name caught on and county residents have been calling the historical section along the Bay of Quinte Hayward Long Reach for 50 years.

Lyons has discovered that the renaming was never made official by the government and he considers it to be a historical injustice.

He stumbled on to the truth while preparing for the 50^th Anniversary of Miss Supertest III return to the county this summer.

Lyons has spent two years working with Canada Post to have a commemorative stamp made in honour of Wayward and the Supertest team.

The stamp will be presented at the 50^th Anniversary ceremony on August 8^th.

His goal is to have Long Reach officially renamed by the time the stamp is unveiled.

Council agreed with Lyons that Long Reach should be renamed because it’s a historical site and Hayward’s accomplishments deserve recognition.  After the area is renamed Hayward Long Reach, a by-law will be put into place stating all maps will honour the name change. 

Lyons should be applauded for his continued commitment to preserving the county’s heritage and Bob Hayward’s memory.

Students from Guelph University attend Conservative rally to support the youth vote. Photo by: The Toronto Star

The Harper government should reach out more to young Canadians if they want to win the youth vote on May 2nd.

Students are finally engaging themselves in the general election process after years of being called apathetic, disengaged and uninterested.

Conservative leaders should be pleased young people are taking an interest and encourage their participation instead of trying to silence them.

An article in the Toronto Star reports…

The Tories are being accused of election tampering after trying to have 700 votes cast by students earlier this week at Guelph University declared null and void.  The event was organized to increase youth involvement in the election, but it wasn’t authorized by Elections Canada.  It was reported that officials with Guelph Conservative candidate Marty Burke illegally filmed voters and then tried to snatch away the ballot box.  The university won’t be holding advanced balloting in the future, but all of the votes cast will be considered valid.

The university shouldn’t stop hosting advanced balloting events because of one party’s actions.  The university needs to promote youth participation in elections.  The decision to discontinue such events will discourage young people from voting. 

Marty Burke’s undemocratic actions come just weeks after a couple hundred Guelph University students met Harper at a rally point chanting, “We will vote.  The conservatives obviously didn’t think students would follow through with their promise to vote, because they haven’t added anything to their platform that appeals to young people.  An increase in employment is the only campaign promise from conservatives that will attract young voters.  The guarantee that a job will be waiting for you when you finish university or college is important to young people.  The downside is if you can’t afford to attend or finish school you won’t be able to attain a job.  The cost of attending post secondary school is a huge struggle for young Canadians and their families.  The conservatives haven’t made any attempts to assure young people that tuition costs will stop going through the roof.  In fact they’re supposed to increase by another 5 per cent.

The conservatives need to re-think how they want to be perceived by young people.  Refusing to let student groups join in their rallies and then trying to exclude student ballots shows poor democratic practices.  These actions are horrible ways to try and attract potential young voters.

Marty Burke decision to grab an election box was completely unprofessional and the party should apologize to the students at Guelph University. There are over three million young people in Canada and government actions like the ones in Guelph will sway the election in the opposition’s favour.

The liberal government has included education, health care environmental initiatives in their platform that appeal to young people, especially students. Michael Ignatieff’s promise to make post secondary education more affordable will grab young voter’s attention.  The Liberal’s and the NDP’s approach towards education and healthcare has stolen the youth’s attention in Guelph because the polling station was covered with opposition party campaign material.

Reaching out and speaking positively to the students at Guelph University would increase the parties chances of winning the youth vote. Young Canadians would be more apt to vote conservative if they felt the Tories were encouraging their participation.

There is still time for the conservatives to reach out to young people and show them that their vote matters. The conservatives should start using social media more to try and attract younger voters.  Harper’s government could schedule a rally online just for voters between the ages of 18 and 30 to show support for young voters.

The conservative’s decision to let a student vote groups participate in his rally in Hamilton was a great way for his party to start connecting with youth.  But the conservatives need to do more if they plan on achieving a majority government in May.

Young Canadians have been challenged by celebrities such as Rick Mercer and Nelly Frutado to get out and vote. Young people are influenced by what famous people say and do. There will be a lot of fresh faces at the polls this election. If the Harper government wants the youth vote than they need to start speaking to young people about issues that concern us and include these topics in their political platform.

Guelph University students are making a stand and trying to encourage young Canadians to vote on May 2^nd.

 About 200 rain soaked students gathered outside the hotel where Prime Minister Stephen Harper was set to hold a Conservative election rally.

The mob chanted, “We will vote!” above drums and bagpipes.

The event was organized on Facebook and wasn’t designed to show support for any of the political parties.  The goal is to get youth out to the polls.

Canadian youth are often considered apathetic, unengaged and disinterested when it comes to politics and electoral participation.

Voter turnout between the ages of 18 and 24 was a measly 34 per cent compared to the national turnout rate of 57 per cent in the 2008 federal election.

Monumental demonstrations like this prove there are youth out there who have a voice and want change within our country.

This movement came a week after CBC’s Rick Mercer challenged all youth to take twenty minutes out of their day and cast a ballot.  It’s refreshing to see a television personality like Rick Mercer using his fame for the greater good of young Canadians.

Mercer is a young influential man that young people can easily relate with.  He isn’t confusing young people with political jargon.   Mercer is reaching out to young people in a way that politicians have neglected to.  He’s addressing the issues that matter to young people such as high tuition rates and student loans.  Ontario has the highest tuition rates of any other province in Canada.  Post secondary education costs will continue to soar unless students stand up and say, “we’ve had enough!” 

By telling students that tuition costs and student loans could be lowered if they vote, Mercer is forcing young people to get engaged.

Mercer is honest and blunt about the facts surrounding youth and politics.  Telling young people that they if they don’t vote than they might as well be serving time in prison or dead as far as the political parties are concerned is a brilliant motivator.

Our members of parliament could learn something from Mercer when it comes to engaging youth in politics.

Politicians are spending countless amounts of money campaigning and advertising trying to entice people to vote in their favour.  Elections Canada is commissioning a voter survey aimed at encouraging disengaged young people between the ages of 18 to 34 to vote.  It only took Mercer minutes to get young people interested and looking forward to participating in the May election.

It would appear the days of disengaged youths are over. 

Yesterday the province’s finance minister the Hon. Dwight Duncan announced the Ontario government will commit $309 million to fund 60,000 new college and university spaces by 2015.

Article from Canadian Newswire

This funding is a great way to attract high school students and adult who are thinking about attending post secondary in the fall.  But what does it do for students who are already enrolled in college or university.

As a second year college student I’m not concerned with advancing class sizes.  High tuition costs and increases in the cost of living are issues that affect me.  Budgeting enough money for food, rent and gas to get to school and work are problems that affect myself and other students across the province.  These issues don’t seem to concern the leaders of this province.

Government officials keep saying they want to see more youth involvement in politics, yet they don’t address the everyday issues that affect us.

Nationally Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff is catching post secondary student’s attention.

Today Ignatieff announced he plans to cut a 6 billion dollar corporate tax and give it to families who are struggling to take care of their children in post secondary.  This is a great initiative that may have young voters running to the polls in Ignatieff’s favour on May 2^nd.

An article published in the Ottawa Citizen

Polls indicate Britons favour William and Kate as the next king and queen of Britain.

on November 21 provides results from a recent poll stating Britons favour Prince William and his fiancée Kate Middleton as their next king and queen.

The poll of 2,015 people concluded that 64 percent think William is better for the long-term prospects of the monarchy, against Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles on just 19 percent.

William and Kate surprised Britain with the unexpected announcement on Tuesday that they were engaged and plan to marry in London next year.

Canada has extensive historical ties to the British monarchy.

The world watched in awe as Charles married Princess Diana in 1981 and what seemed like a fairy tale turned to tragedy when he admitted to cheating on her with his current wife Camila.

Since the tragic death of Princess Diana in 1997 the world has looked at Camila as “the other woman” thus increasing the public’s dislike for Charles.

Charles and Camila may be unpopular compared to William and Kate but Charles is next in line to be king and that is a right to passage that the public cannot interfere with.  Charles shouldn’t have to pass up the opportunity to rule the throne just because his soon to be subjects favour his son over him.

In the meantime, William has been gaining public popularity. He shares his late mother’s compassion for others.  He is a prominent flight lieutenant for the Royal Air Force.  William rescued a man suffering chest pains on top Mount Snowdon in Wales two days after announcing his engagement.

His decision to marry for love instead of status is something most people can relate to.  Allowing your parents to chose who you spend the rest of your life with is becoming a thing of the past.

The British monarch is yet to adopt the western world’s way of entering holy matrimony. Prince William and Kate are challenging the history and structure of the royal family.  They’re attempting to modernize the British monarchy as William is the first future king to marry a commoner in 350 years.

Britons like Kate because she will have more in common with William’s subjects than any other monarch before him.  She’s beautiful, intelligent and comes from a normal middle class family.  Kate is living a fairy-tale that most girls dream about.

Even though the young couple is clearly in love and want to marry one another, their wedding date is being delayed.

William and Kate planned to marry the last week of April but palace officials want them to tie the knot later.

Are they hoping William might change his mind?  It’s doubtful.  William is an educated and honourable man.  He gave Kate time to learn what life in a royal family is like.  William offered her the opportunity to get out of the relationship if it was too much to handle.

If Princess Diana were alive today she would honour William’s desire to marry Kate.  William’s decision to give Kate his late mother’s blue sapphire ring is a beautiful gesture.

William is changing the rules by marrying for love and not status because it’s his choice and as long as he and Kate are happy the royal family should accept and respect his wishes.

An article published in the Belleville Intelligencer on November 20, 2010 said Williams’ equipment and uniforms were seized and destroyed on November 17.

All of the evidence and Williams’ Pathfinder used throughout his

crimes were torched and crushed during his sentencing on October 18.

Russell Williams' Air Force uniforms burnt. Photo by Google Images

Williams pleaded guilty to 82 break-ins, two sexual assaults and to the rapes and murders of Marie France Comeau and Jessica Lloyd.

He was sentenced to serve two concurrent life sentences in Kingston Penitentiary on October 21.

Williams’ horrific crimes shocked Canadians as they heard he had committed violent acts towards women, while commending the country’s largest air base in Trenton, Ont.

Local residents wondered how a dedicated colonel could disgrace the nation and community by preying on innocent women.

The country watched in shock as Williams’ interrogation aired on multiple news platforms in October.  Even though he pleaded guilty in a Belleville Superior courtroom earlier that week, his aired confession made it all the more real for Canadian citizens.

Thinking back to Williams’ relaxed smile for the camera makes the uniform campfire all the more appropriate.

Williams’ doesn’t deserve the recognition and honours he was awarded.  Canadians trusted him to lead the Air Force with dignity and fly politicians and royalty all over the country.  He had the world at his fingertips and he chose to throw it all away because of his violent and perverted obsessions.

It begs the question, how does a man with Williams’ education and status turn to such vicious and cruel behaviour?  He doesn’t share the same qualities as the average serial killer.  How he rose to the rank of colonel while committing aggressive acts completely undetected by the law or the military has stumped the nation.

We may never know why he did the things he did, but at least the community can rest a little easier knowing Williams has lost his rank and his military memorabilia.

It offers some relief knowing Williams’ tainted uniforms won’t be redistributed throughout the Air Force or confiscated and sold on the black market.

The Air Force shouldn’t have to suffer for one man’s unspeakable actions.  The tragedy that started with the death of Corporal Marie France Comeau has been trying on the military to say the least.

The press conference given by LGen. Andre Deschamps on October 21 proved members of the Air Force were severely distraught by Williams’ violent behaviour.  They have displayed strength and courage throughout this whole ordeal. The Air Force’s ability to move forward while keeping the victims’ families in their prayers and thoughts is something to be respected.  It’s comforting knowing the Air Force is doing everything in their power to eject Williams from the military.

There has been much debate throughout the community on whether or not Williams’ should receive a military pension.  Even though he served in the Air Force for 22 years and he’s entitled to a pension, he should offer it to his victims’ families.  If they won’t accept it then he should donate the funds to a charity that supports abused women.

As this tragedy nears an end and the community attempts to heal from these terrible events, there is a sense that justice has been served. Williams has a long time to think about those he hurt now that he’s tucked away in a little prison cell in Kingston. The control he worked so hard to gain is reduced to ashes with this rank and uniforms.  This once colonel, now convicted murder can’t even control what he eats for breakfast.

Gillani are receiving a lot of attention in the news lately.

The Toronto Star recently published a story titled, RCMP’s Guergis probe: ‘Drugs and stock fraud’.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper accepted Helena Guergis' resignation from cabinet April 9, saying he had referred unknown allegations against her to the RCMP and the federal ethics commissioner. Reuters photo

Guergis resigned her position as Minister of State for the Status of Women after Prime Minister Stephen Harper told

the RCMP and the federal ethics commissioner to begin an investigation into her drug use, involvement with high-

class escorts, laundered money and a “pump and dump” stock fraud.

The Prime Minister should’ve made Guergis resign in February when she verbally abused a security guard at the

Charlottetown airport for asking her to remove her shoes.

Guergis probably had a bag of cocaine or stolen cash stuffed in her shoes and didn’t want to be arrested on drug

charges or theft so she argued until she got her way.

Guergis’ out of control behaviour, along with the pictures of her snorting cocaine, proves she had a serious problem.

Life started to spiral out of control for Guergis and her husband when Jaffer was arrested in Sept 2009, on suspicion of

drinking and driving and cocaine possession when he was stopped for speeding in Caledon, Ont.

It’s disappointing a judge let Jaffer off with a $500 fine for speeding and drug possession.

Jaffer deserved jail time for his offences.  The justice system, in this case favoured the rich and elite.

The only reason Jaffer and Guergis have money is because they stole it.  They are living in a house worth $880,000

and they bought it without a down payment.

They’re trying to live their lives like movie stars.   Cabinet ministers aren’t supposed to live in $880,000 houses and

snort cocaine with escorts.  Guergis got caught because she has no clue how to be inconspicuous or classy.  She had a

lot of Canadians who counted on her to be smart, responsible and dependable.   Guergis let the country down with

her tasteless criminal actions.   The next time Guergis’ name is in the news, the story should be about her going to jail

or rehab.

Stephen Harper needs to make an example out of Guergis and Jaffer by making sure they get stiff jail

sentences for stealing government funds.  It’s up to the Harper government to put harsher punishments in place, in

order to deter politicans from taking from the Canadian people in the future.

Adam Doxtator wins top male in 5K run with a time of 17:20. Photo by: Nicole Kleinsteuber

5K and 10K runners start 16th Annual Pitter Patter race in front of Loyalist College in Bellevilleon April 11, 2010. Photo by: Nicole Kleinsteuber

The Annual Pitter Patter race continues to grow in popularity with approximately 100 participants showing up to run

for charity at Loyalist College on Sunday.

Runners started the race to the sound of a gun firing in front of the Kente building at 10 am. They ran on a course that

was mainly flat, down to the Humaine Society and then back to the Kente building.

“This is my first time racing in Belleville, so preparing for this race was important.  When I prepare for a race I train on

treadmills and outdoors,” said Melanie Wipprecht, who went on to win first in the women’s 5K race for her age

category.

Belleville Community Policing has been hosting the event for 16 years and fundraises to support children’s safety

programs such as Bike Rodeo, Car Seat Clinics, Child Print events, Lock It or Lose It and Neighbourhood Watch.

The event had about 47 sponsors. Try and Run Sports, Quinte Broadcasting, Culligan, Rona and Starbucks were just a

few who helped to fund the event.

Community Policing Chair, Jodi Donovan and Pitter Patter Organizers, Jean Czyczyro and Constable Aaron Bucci all

estimated the event would raise $2,000.

“It’s a fabulous race.  Every year more and more people come out,” said Czyczyro.

Marshalls provided medals at an award ceremony after the race to the top three finishers in the 5K and 10K, in all

male and female age categories.  All of the participants received door prizes.

Jen Tretina won top over all female in the 10K run with the time of 48:41.

Alison Maxwell won top over all female in the 5K run with the time of 24:50.

Kaelin Parker won top over all male in the 10K run with the time of 36:33.

Adam Doxtator won top over all male in the 5K run with the time of 17:20.

“I plan on racing again next year because running feels good.  I think everyone should race to stay healthy,” said

Harry Peers.  Peers finished first in the 5K run for the 50 age group.

Chief of Police, Cory McMullan thanked the runners for volunteering their time and helping to raise money for the

worthy cause.

“This has been a fabulous show between the paramedics, police, The Runner’s Club, sponsors and everyone who

chipped in to make this event possible,” said McMullan.

Constable Bucci announced next year the race is open to children under the age of 12.

Constable Bucci has helped to co-ordinate Pitter Patter for the past years.

“I enjoy helping to organize this event because all of the programs we fundraise for such as, The Neighbourhood

Watch and Lock It, Or Lose It are benefits to the community,” said Bucci.

Neighbourhood Watch is a program geared to preventing crime within communities by teaching residents to be

aware of suspicious activities within their neighbourhoods.  It teaches citizens how make their homes less accessible

to thieves by making their personal property less desirable to burglars.

The Neighbourhood Watch program brings the community and the police together by helping to provide a sense of

security for individuals or families who are away from their homes for any length of time.

Lock It Or Lose It, is a crime prevention program that focuses on theft of vehicles and theft from motor vehicles.  It is

meant to encourage drivers to take precautions to prevent theft such as, locking their car doors.

Belleville police officers and volunteers check vehicles in a variety of locations including, mall parking lots and

heavily targeted areas, to determine if owners have locked their vehicles and put valuables out of sight.  Notices are

placed on the vehicle informing owners as to the condition in which the vehicle was found when checked.

The notice states what safety precautions were neglected and offers prevention techniques to protect vehicles from

theft.

“Most of the safety clinics and programs offered by the Belleville Police in partnership with the community are

available at no cost.  That’s why it’s so important for people to donate to events like Pitter Patter.  Without the funds

we wouldn’t be able to provide such valuable programs like the bike events and car seat clinics,” said Czyczyro.

The Pitter Patter event will provide funding for the 36^th Annual Bike Rodeo on May 3^rd at Alexandra Public School.  It

is being co-hosted by the Lindsay Optimist Club and the Kawartha Lakes Police Service.

Bike riders are required to register their bicycles before having their cycles checked by police for safety reasons.

Afterwards five events take place in order to assess the rider’s skills.

All participants will be given a status report informing parents of their child’s strengths and weaknesses in safe cycling.

The Belleville Police Service is partnered with Family Space/Ontario Early Years and provides car seat clinics on the

first Tuesday of every month at the Belleville Police station.  This program offers free inspection of child car seat

installation for parents.

The Child Print Clinic is an important safety program where the police fingerprint and photograph children.  It’s

available to parents at no cost. Clinics are held in Belleville on various dates throughout the year.  The information is

kept in a booklet and parents are advised to keep in a safe place.

The provinces decision to end the program in an effort to lower the cost of generic drugs is just another plot to win a popularity contest in the next election.

The government doesn’t care what this will do to independent pharmacies that rely on pharmaceutical sales.  The ‘mom and pop’ stores will have to charge more for dispensing fees, reduce employees and may go out of business. Teasel’s in Picton is one of the oldest pharmacies in Ontario.  It would be horrible if they had to close up their shop.  Businesses like Teasel’s are cornerstones of our communities and deserve a fighting chance in today’s economy.

Most pharmacy technicians in Ontario are still part time employees even after working in their field for ten plus years.  The government doesn’t give them benefit programs to buy prescriptions they need to perform their job requirements.  We rely on pharmacists to help us on a daily basis and they’re getting the shaft not only by their unions but by the government as well.

It would be great if the government could balance the budget and cure the national deficit problem, but not at the expense of our local businesses and health care professionals.