Haldimand "Bruce Power pulls the Plug"

BRUCE POWER PULLS PLUG ON NUCLEAR PROJECT;

The Dunnville Chronicle
Wed Jul 29 2009
Page: A3
Section: News
Byline: DONNA PITCHER , CHRONICLE STAFF WRITER;

Bruce Power has withdrawn its application to build Nuclear reactors in Nanticoke and Bruce County; blaming Ontario's declining electricity demand according to a news release on July 23.

Bruce Power has notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency that it will withdraw its site license applications and suspend its Environmental Assessments in Bruce County and Nanticoke.

Haldimand County Mayor Marie Trainer says this news is "unfortunate" for Haldimand County. Bruce Power had recently informed Trainer, that everything that has been done to date was more favourable than expected.

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is still slated to close in 2014 and Trainer is hopeful that OPG will convert to natural gas.

"This is part of our tax base," she said.

When asked about renewable energy options Trainer remarked, "Going Green is Expensive," people don't realize that their hydro bills could double."

"No Nukes in Nanticoke. It's not just a slogan anymore. It's a statement of fact," said Jim Elve of Waterford in an interview with The Chronicle on Friday morning.

Elve is a member of the Grand River Energy Quest, a grass roots group that was formed when Bruce Power announced their plans to build a Nuclear Plant in Haldimand County.

"I suggest there is a bit more to it than that," Elve speculated.

He believes there are underlying reasons why Bruce Power pulled the plug. Elve wondered whether the public opposition played a role in the recent decision.

Both Haldimand and Norfolk counties had passed resolutions supporting Bruce Powers environmental assessment, and stated that they would be "willing hosts."

Elve has always accused that both communities made Bruce Power believe they were willing hosts without any communications from residents.

Grand Erie Energy Quest has a petition, signed by over 1,500 residents in the Nanticoke area, against the nuclear build.

"Rather than putting all of our eggs in one basket and hoping a white knight will ride into town with a mega project, our councils should take this opportunity to encourage economic activity that doesn't rely on billion dollar investors. Renewable energy is the way of the future," said Elve.