Allan Campbell, minister responsible for rural development in Prince Edward Island, says that rural communities across the province will be major beneficiaries of the new wind development plan announced last week. Under the plan, construction of 500 megawatts of wind capacity will mean an investment of $1 billion and the creation of 850 jobs in rural communities.
The ten point wind energy plan focuses on developing sustainable local resources, maximizing economic opportunity for Islanders and ensuring fairness to rural residents and communities. These goals will be central to the formulation of a rural economic development strategy for the province.
“This is welcome news for rural communities across the province which are seeking ways to broaden and diversify their economies,” said Mr. Campbell. “The new wind energy projects will bring lasting benefits to our province and help to attract new job and business opportunities for rural residents.”
Mr. Campbell said that landowners who lease land to wind energy developers will be able to realize additional incomes from their properties. He said the wind energy projects will also result in better utilization of land resources. The minister also welcomed the proposal to establish a community trust fund by developers that would provide broader benefits to rural areas where wind energy projects are being carried out.
“It is vitally important that residents of rural communities be consulted as the planning for these projects proceeds,” said Mr. Campbell. “Wind energy projects must be planned in such a way as to complement existing land uses in rural areas.”
The minister said the development of wind energy projects reflects the commitment of the provincial government to stimulate economic activities which benefit residents in rural areas of Prince Edward Island.