City Council has decided to sign a lease option with Horizon Wind.
The final vote was seven to five in favour of the wind farm project. Councillor Rebecca Johnson voted for the project and says it's about the City's future. Neebing Ward Councillor Linda Rydholm says it's in the Provincial Government's hands, and notes no work can occur on the mountain until the Provincial government gives its approval. Linda Rydholm, Frank Pullia, Aldo Roberto, Joe Virdiramo and Mark Bentz voted against signing the lease. Meanwhile, Norwester Escarpment Protection Committee President Irene Bond says they're disappointed, but they're not giving up the fight. Meanwhile MPP Bill Mauro is taking a hands off approach when it comes to the project. While he says he has never fully agreed with the site for the proposed farm, he says his hands are tied because it was a private deal made by the city with city land. Mauro says the environmental process is the next step and has to be honoured. He adds that the process won't be politically interfered with.