Few development proposals are more controversial in Ontario right now than wind projects. When Canadian Hydro Developers, SkyPower, Toronto Hydro, Trillium and their ilk decide to build turbines, controversy always follows.

Wind development is an important issue. The Ontario government is relying heavily on the what it calls the “Green Economy” to rebuild the province’s economy and to meet future electricity needs. The question, then, is whether the desires to stave off global warming and boost the economy are incompatible with the desires to ensure transparency in government and public-participation in decision-making. In other words, whether the “ends” justify “the means”.

We are talking about wind projects on this episode of Living at the Barricades, because they are the most controversial example of a system-wide trend towards less transparent government, less room for public participation, and more sacrifices in the name of a “greater good”.

Guests on today’s show include:

• Virginia Clark (from interview November 2008)
  
• John Laforet (from interview May 2009)
  
• Joanna Bull, Counsel for Lake Ontario Waterkeeper

Music on today’s show:
Means to an End by Gorgeous Colours
These Means Have no End by Royal Downfall
The Means by Mattafix

Related Links:

• Waterkeeper’s comment on the Byran Wind Project
  

Listen to the show:
Listen to this week’s show online (right-click to download).
Subscribe to the Living At the Barricades Podcast via iTunes