July 18, 2012 – Prince Edward Island Energy Corp. will hold a public meeting to discuss a proposed 30MW wind farm for the Hermanville and Clear Springs area of eastern Kings County, said Wes Sheridan, finance, energy and municipal affairs minister.

“Our government’s policy on wind development is very clear,” said Sheridan. “We want community approval before we would ever proceed with any future wind projects. This public meeting is the first step in that process, and we will consider any and all feedback from all the residents in the Hermanville and Clear Springs area before making any final decisions.”

The meeting will be held Tuesday, July 24 at St. Margaret’s Hall on the Northside Road (Highway 16) between 7 and 9 pm. Sheridan will chair the meeting, and will invite the general public to offer their views on the proposed project. Technical details about the project will be provided, and the benefits to landowners and the community at large will be outlined.

The meeting will also include a presentation from the Northeast Community Alliance, a group of “community and business leaders in eastern Kings County with a common interest to promote socio-economic development in the region”. Because the Hermanville wind farm is in a non-incorporated region, a possible role for the alliance is to facilitate and support the engagement of the community in planning and activating the community benefits afforded this wind development.

“I welcome the opportunity to provide information to the community about [the alliance], and to discuss a process that would engage the residents of the area in prospects that would promote economic development in the area, and in northeastern Kings County in general,” said Steve Cheverie, Northeast Community Alliance chair.

In addition to this initial public meeting with local residents, Prince Edward Island Energy Corp. will also meet with landowners directly affected by the development, as well as with nearby seasonal residents.