UPPER AFTON — EverWind Fuels is launching public consultation on a proposed Upper Afton wind project this month, hosting four open houses as the company begins early planning and community engagement on the development.
Company officials indicated the open houses are intended to share early information about the proposed Upper Afton Wind Project and gather feedback from residents.
According to Mark Stewart, EverWind’s director of engagement, the sessions are designed to give community members an opportunity to learn about the project and provide input early in the process. “We want residents to understand what is being proposed, ask questions, and share local knowledge,” he told The Journal last week.
The Upper Afton Wind Project is a proposed 176-megawatt wind development that could include up to 28 turbines. The project area is located near the communities of New France, Upper Afton, South Merland and Upper Big Tracadie in Antigonish and Guysborough counties.
Stewart said feedback gathered during the open houses plays a role in shaping how the project moves forward. “These conversations help us better understand community priorities, concerns and interests so they can be considered as the project continues to develop,” he said.
He added the project remains in the early planning and development stage. “Technical studies, environmental work and engagement activities are underway.”
Stewart noted that this phase is focused on gathering information and refining the project before formal regulatory steps begin. “This is a time for learning and input before formal regulatory steps, including the environmental assessment, which is expected to be registered in the next few months,” he said.
At the open houses, residents will be able to review materials outlining how the project is being developed and what the process involves. “Residents can expect a range of information presented through posters and visual materials, including an overview of the Upper Afton Wind Project, early visual simulations and a project timeline showing key milestones,” Stewart said.
He added the sessions will also include information about how wind projects are planned, studied and sited, including “what environmental and technical studies are involved and what happens at each stage of development.”
Stewart said “community feedback is an important part of project planning” and that local input can help identify issues that may not be apparent through technical studies alone and can influence how the project is designed, studied and communicated.
Following the January open houses, EverWind plans to continue engagement efforts and establish additional opportunities for community involvement. “The project team will continue technical and environmental studies and review the feedback received,” Stewart said, adding that engagement includes plans to establish a community liaison committee.
The scheduled open house sessions include: Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Hall at Guysborough Intervale; Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Paqtnkek Community Centre; Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Heatherton & Area Community Centre; and Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Tracadie Community Hall in Monastery.
Stewart said residents who are unable to attend can still connect with the project team. “We have office hours every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Guysborough Mall or people can visit upperaftonwind.com,” he said.
