Monday, May 21, 2007

News -- A Community Petition

We interrupt the narrative of this blog to post some community action news.

One of my neighbours recently confirmed that the following petition, sent to the office of the Premier, and copied to the Minister of the Environment, Energy and Forestry, the CEO of the PEI Energy Corporation, the President (Customer Service) of Maritime Electric and the CEO of Fortis, has been received and signed for by all parties.

Three community members, one of whom was my brother Conor, secured signatures from 100% of permanent residents in the area (two renters abstained).

It cannot be said that this is not a concern for everyone in our community.

Our petition is below.


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Community of:

Grant Road / Souris River Road / New Zealand / Gowan Brae

Objection Registry

to the Maritime Electric High Voltage Transmission Line

We, the undersigned, hereby register our objection to the route of the Maritime Electric high voltage power transmission lines, erected through our community in the Fall 2006. Our concerns are summarized:

1. Our community, a longstanding residential area, is one of the more scenic areas on Prince Edward Island, with a spectacular view of the bay, ocean, and rural countrysides. Many of the residents in our community have purchased properties and homes with this attraction in mind; many have chosen to live raise families in the area because of the peace, quiet and safety the locale affords. A small rural subdivision is currently being developed for these reasons. Transmission lines which were routed through our community in the Fall 2006 dramatically detract from the desirability that this location offers.

2. Many in our community are concerned by the health hazards of electromagnetic radiation; all are affected by public perception of the effects of EMR (regardless of interpretation of the research), which significantly compromise property values.

3. We believe that alternative options were not adequately addressed logistically or from a cost-benefit perspective. We petition that resources be allocated for an alternative route for this section of the transmission line, and the problem immediately rectified.

[Signed by all residents of Grant Road/Souris River Road/Gowan Brae/New Zealand]