Work continues on White Pines Wind Project despite province’s plan to scrap it

There were smiles on a lot of faces in Prince Edward County after the provincial government announced plans to scrap the White Pines Wind Project.

But a day after Doug Ford’s big bombshell, work continued near the shores of Lake Ontario.

The first of nine wind turbines is already up, and a second was on its way up on Wednesday.

“There seems to be more activity today [Wednesday] than ever before so we’ve let our MPP Minister Smith know,” said Robert Quaiff, the mayor of Prince Edward County. “He’s aware of that and we’ll keep him abreast of everything that’s transpiring.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "There seems to be more activity today [Wednesday] than ever before so we've let our MPP Minister Smith know," said Robert Quaiff, the mayor of Prince Edward County. "He's aware of that and we'll keep him abreast of everything that's transpiring."

Legislation could be introduced as early as next week. CKWS spoke with WPD Canada president Ian MacRae.

In a statement, he said: “We have a contract with the government and work will continue until we are told officially, if and when legislation is passed.”

Steve Ferguson, a county councillor, says he was pleasantly surprised by the government’s announcement.

“What has been terrific about this is that it really has brought the community together. A lot of people have been involved in this since the get-go.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "What has been terrific about this is that it really has brought the community together. A lot of people have been involved in this since the get-go."

Cancelling the White Pines project could cost more than $100 million. MacRae says the dispute could be headed to the courts.