February 24, 2014 – Ontario’s K2 Wind Power Project has begun hiring workers to construct what it says is one of the province’s most promising renewable energy projects. More than 1000 workers from across southwestern Ontario will be involved in the manufacturing and assembly of the wind turbines, site construction and operations.

The 270MW project will use 140 Ontario-made wind turbines and, upon completion, will generate enough energy for about 100,000 Ontario homes each year, it estimated. It is developed jointly by Samsung Renewable Energy, Pattern Energy Group (Pattern Development) and Capital Power.

“We conduct a great deal of preparation for our projects, working with the community to build the best project possible – and we’re pleased the tribunal agreed with that position,” said Mike Garland, CEO of Pattern Development.

Between $5 to $6 million in direct spending is expected to be injected into the local economy during each year of operation.

“This decision enables K2 Wind to invest millions of dollars into the community in the form of property taxes, community benefits, landowner lease payments, local contracting and employment,” added Paul Wendelgass, project lead for Capital Power. “Moving ahead with this project will help provide employment and business opportunities to the community and bring long term benefits to the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh.”

Initial construction activities are expected to commence in Q1 2014, with commercial operation anticipated in the second half of 2015. Power from the project will be sold to the Ontario Power Authority (OPA).