The Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) Union is the largest private sector union in Canada with over 260,000 members. While protecting the welfare of working men and women is their main purpose they also strive to preserve our natural environment.

As part of their efforts in protecting the environment, the CAW intends to erect a Wind Turbine for their Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ontario. By producing clean, renewable energy for the facility the Wind Turbine will offset electricity expenses and will contribute to lowering effects of acid rain, smog and global climate change. The proposed Wind Turbine is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 700 tones per year. This CAW initiative will show leadership in lowering air pollution and meeting our commitment to the Kyoto Protocol.

To manage this initiative the CAW has contracted the services of M. K. Ince and Associates Ltd. MKI have made substantial progress moving the CAW Wind Energy Project forward. Some of the major project items that are being worked on are listed below:

Press Release: November 29, 2011

CAW announces ground-breaking for Ontario's first union-owned wind project. Click here to read more.

Proposed Wind Farm Details

• Commissioning Date: Winter 2012
• Turbines: Approximately 25m blade length, 75m hub height
• Installed Capacity: Approximately 500 kW

Wind Resource Assessment

• 50 metre meteorological tower erected
• Wind speeds and directions measured at various heights
• One year's worth of data will be collected and used to estimate onsite power generation

Public Outreach

• Brochures designed and produced by the CAW and MKI
• 3000 brochures distributed to the neighborhood and local politicians

Turbine Purchase

• Review of suitable wind turbine models and manufacturers carried out
• Specific model recommended
• Purchase negotiations ongoing

Sound Assessment

• Modeling of noise complete
• Submissions to MOE completed, sufficient for certificate of completion

Visual Assessment

• Zone of visual influence and shadow flicker assessed
• These studies have will determine the Wind Turbine's visual impacts on residents living in its vicinity

Interconnection Study

• Interconnection feasibility study has been completed by Hydro One
• Existing electricity delivery infrastructure at the CAW Family Education Centre will be suitable to handle power generated by the proposed wind turbine without requirements for upgrades

Aeronautical Clearance

• Navigation Canada and Transport Canada approvals received
• This permitted installation of the meteorological tower, to be followed by the Wind Turbine