Residents in Waterford have expressed concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest involving a consulting firm engaged in a proposed wind farm project in their community southeast of Sussex. The residents are worried about Dillon Consulting, which is contracted by both Natural Forces, the project proponent, and the Kings Regional Service Commission, responsible for delivering services on behalf of local governing bodies.
Mary Ann Coleman, a former committee chair for the Waterford Local Service District, stated that the community is troubled by the firm’s dual role, which they believe compromises the project’s approval process integrity. Coleman expressed dismay over the situation, emphasizing the widespread anger among residents towards dealing with a company facing a significant conflict of interest.
Construction on the initial 15 wind turbines could commence as early as fall. The project has received approval for its environmental impact assessment and has signed a power purchase agreement with N.B. Power. Natural Forces, in collaboration with Indian Island First Nation and Mi’gmaq United Investment Network, owns the project, known as the Paqt’smawei Sipu Wind Project, which has authorization to install up to 42 wind turbines approximately 200 meters tall.
Tess Donohue, the project manager for Natural Forces, mentioned that Dillon Consulting has been involved in the project since 2024 and prepared the environmental impact assessment. Dillon Consulting, a Canadian planning and consulting firm with multiple offices across the country, including in Fredericton, Saint John, and Moncton, also provides planning services for the service commission.
Donohue defended the firm’s role, stating that she sees no conflict from their perspective. Despite repeated interview requests sent by CBC News to the service commission and Dillon Consulting, no responses were received. Efforts to obtain an interview with the Kings Rural District, which represents Waterford residents, were also unsuccessful.
The project still requires a few permits and must meet specific conditions before proceeding in the fall. One of the final hurdles is securing a development permit from the regional service commission. Natural Forces has applied to amend Waterford’s rural plan through the commission to permit the construction of large-scale wind turbines in rural use zones.
The amendment is crucial for the project’s progression and will enable the construction of wind turbines larger than three megawatts, subject to government regulations, sound guidelines, and shadow restrictions. Additionally, specific conditions, such as maintaining a minimum distance of 1,000 meters from dwelling units and 500 meters from public roads, will apply to turbine construction.
Coleman, involved in the development of the rural plan, highlighted the public consultation process that led to its creation, emphasizing the importance of preserving Waterford’s character, aesthetics, and rural lifestyle. She raised concerns about the amendment’s impact on seasonal property owners, fearing they may no longer be considered dwelling units, given the new definition proposed in the amendment.
Donohue explained that excluding seasonal properties from setback requirements in wind farm projects is common practice due to concerns like ice throw, shadow, and noise. The commission’s planning committee has shown support for the amendment with a 6-0 vote, forwarding it to Local Government Minister Aaron Kennedy for final approval. The commission is currently seeking feedback on the proposed amendment.