No vote on wind turbines, step forward on chickens
Posted Jul 6, 2011 07:35:56 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Halifax Regional Council dealt with a handful of issues during its last meeting before summer holidays, including delaying a vote on new wind turbine regulations, allowing for a backyard chicken pilot project and updating the status on the Dartmouth bus terminal expansion project.
Council delayed a vote on new regulations for wind turbines in the municipality until it has more information.
Several Jeddore residents attended a public hearing Tuesday evening to speak against the proposed regulations.
They voiced concerns about the recommendation for a setback of 550 meters from residential buildings, saying it should be extended to 2,000 meters.
Industry officials told councillors 550 meters is standard.
Council asked staff to prepare a report with more information on the potential impact of turbines in rural areas.
Council also approved a report to amend the city charter which will allow for pilot projects, clearing the way for peninsula residents to keep backyard chickens on a trial basis.
Meanwhile, construction could begin on the Dartmouth Transit Terminal expansion this summer.
Coun. Jim Smith (Albro Lake-Harbourview) said city staff is working to get a tender assembled and awarded, after the term of the previous tender expired
He tells News 95.7 he’s hopeful that will happen soon.
“A lot of the public is wondering why we haven’t started construction. Hopefully the CAO will be able to award (the tender) in the next few weeks and we’ll be able to start it before September,” he said prior to the council meeting Tuesday.
Council was told the provincial environment department has tentatively approved a disposal plan for pyritic slate that will be removed during construction.
