Residents in Waterford are expressing concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving Dillon Consulting, a firm engaged in a proposed wind farm project southeast of Sussex. The issue arises from Dillon Consulting being contracted by both Natural Forces, the project proponent, and the Kings Regional Service Commission, which provides services for local governing bodies.
Mary Ann Coleman, a former committee chair for the Waterford Local Service District, highlighted the community’s apprehension that Dillon Consulting’s dual role could compromise the project’s approval process integrity. Coleman expressed widespread dismay among residents regarding the situation, emphasizing the perceived conflict of interest.
Construction of the initial 15 wind turbines for the project is slated to commence as early as fall. The project has received environmental impact assessment approval and inked a power purchase agreement with N.B. Power. Named the Paqt’smawei Sipu Wind Project, it is a collaboration between Natural Forces, Indian Island First Nation, and Mi’gmaq United Investment Network, with plans to erect up to 42 wind turbines standing around 200 meters tall.
Tess Donohue, the project manager for Natural Forces, noted that Dillon Consulting has been involved in the project since 2024 and prepared the environmental impact assessment. Despite Dillon Consulting’s dual roles, Donohue expressed confidence in their collaboration, stating that she perceives no conflict from their perspective.
Efforts to obtain comments from the service commission and Dillon Consulting were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to interview requests. The Kings Rural District, representing the Waterford area, also proved unresponsive to CBC News inquiries.
The project faces pending permits and conditions to meet before commencing in the fall. One crucial requirement is securing a development permit from the regional service commission. Natural Forces has sought an amendment to Waterford’s rural plan through the commission to allow for the construction of large-scale wind turbines in rural use zones, subject to government regulations and specific criteria, such as minimum distances from residential and public areas.
The rural plan amendment, which stems from public consultation, aims to uphold the area’s character, aesthetics, and rural lifestyle. Concerns have been raised about the new definition of dwelling units potentially excluding seasonal property owners, a change that Coleman finds troubling due to the area’s recreational nature.
While Donohue explained the rationale behind excluding seasonal properties from setback requirements in wind farm projects, Coleman remains apprehensive about the implications. The commission’s planning committee has endorsed the amendment, forwarding it to Local Government Minister Aaron Kennedy for final approval, as the commission seeks public feedback on the proposed changes.
