ABOUT THE PROJECT
Everwind Fuels (EWF), in partnership with Bayside Corporate of Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation and Potlotek First Nation, is actively developing a 340 MW wind power project to be located North of Debert in the Municipality of Colchester County, Nova Scotia. EWF is also developing the 98 MW Kmtnuk wind project in Partnership with Wind Strength, a Membertou company. Kmtnuk is adjacent to Windy Ridge although they are considered to be distinct projects as they they have different points of interconnection and different ownership structures. For more information on the Kmtnuk project click here. Both wind projects are expected to be constructed between 2024 and 2026.
The Windy Ridge project comprises up to 49 turbines, overhead medium-voltage electrical cabling, a substation and access roads on private land to reach the turbines. The project would be connected to the Nova Scotia Grid 345kV line, by way of a transmission line linking the Project substation to this 345kV line.
The project will be primarily located on an industrially logged private land.
In the past few years, the Project Development Team has continued to study the site and how to minimize the impact of the development on habitat and wildlife. We welcome the opportunity to meet with local experts and stakeholders.
DIRECT BENEFITS TO THE COUNTY, THE COMMUNITY AND RESIDENTS
(Dollar amounts are for Windy Ridge and Kmtnuk combined)
Community benefits agreement with Colchester County to include:
- $300,000 per year in proximity payments to neighbouring homeowners.
- $100,000 per year toward a community vibrancy fund to support community initiatives
- $50,000 in replenishing bursaries. 10 x $5,000 scholarships to be replenished once distributed
- $3.6 million in municipal taxes (annually compounding) totaling over $150 million throughout the life of the project
EverWind Also commits to the following:
- No turbines seen from the summit of Ski Wentworth
- Local investment opportunity available through the CEDIF program.
- Contracting opportunities for local businesses to support this billion-dollar investment.
- The project utilising over 100 km of existing logging roads, thereby minimizing further impact to land.
- Minimizing impact to local wildlife, including Mainland Moose
The Draft Community Benefits Agreement can be viewed on our Project Documents Page.
SUBSTANTIAL LOCAL INVESTMENT
- Billion-dollar Investment in Colchester
- $165 million in project lifetime municipal tax & benefits paid to Colchester
- Clean, green energy
- Dozens of employment opportunities during operation
- Low density approx 1 turbine per 436 acres (on average)
SUPPORTED BY RES
Renewable Energy Systems Canada Inc. (RES) is the world's largest independent renewable energy company. At the forefront of the industry for over 40 years, RES has delivered more than 23 GW of renewable energy projects across the globe and supports an operational asset portfolio exceeding 12 GW worldwide for a large client base. RES employs more than 4000 people and is active in 14 countries working across onshore and offshore wind, solar, energy storage and transmission and distribution.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND CONSULTATION
As the Project proceeds through the development process, EWF and RES are committed to working with all landowners and stakeholders to establish and maintain a strong relationship with the community. We strive to exceed the regulatory requirements on all our projects, and we commit to responding and acting on all comments and concerns in a timely manner.
As part of our engagement efforts we have held three public events in November 2023 and in 2 February 2024. For more information please visit our Project Documents page.
Consultation will be ongoing for the life of the project. Please check back regularly for project updates and upcoming events.
We are pursuing consultation, and we would love to hear from you if we haven’t already! To get in touch please visit out Contact Us page.
Your feedback is important to us.
RECOGNITION FOR THE MI'KMAQ AND THEIR ANCESTRAL TERRITORY
Everwind Fuels acknowledges the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people, and we acknowledge them as the past, present and future caretakers of this land, Mi’kma’ki. Our work shares the core principle practiced by the Mi’kmaq: Environmental Stewardship. We are committed to working with the Mi’kmaq through consultation, engagement and delivering a comprehensive partnership on all aspects of the Project.
This website will be updated regularly, please visit us again soon.