Some people have concerns about the impact of wind farms on house prices, health concerns, and other issues. As a result, many studies have been done with regard to these issues and are available on Government and Industry association websites.  To help people find good quality information, the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) lists Windy Myths about Wind Power.  Many more facts about Wind Energy can also be found on the CanWEA Wind Facts page (FAQ's). 

How strong does the wind have to blow?

Wind turbines start operating at wind speeds of 4 to 5 metres per second (around 10 miles an hour) and reach maximum power output at around 15 metres per second (around 33 miles per hour). In gale force winds (25 metres per second, 50+ miles per hour) wind turbines shut down to reduce unnecessary wear and tear. For more information on wind energy, see the CanWEA factsheets on wind energy. 

Do the turbines affect birds and wildlife?

The greatest impact to wildlife is climate change, and wind energy is an important contribution to combating it. During the development of a wind farm, an Avian Impact Assessment report is created, and submitted within the projects environmental assessment. The report typically contains detail on the avian monitoring methodology used, the associated data recorded, and conclusions drawn.

Do wind turbines frighten livestock?

Wind farms are popular with farmers because their land can continue to be used for growing crops or grazing livestock. Sheep, cows, and horses are not disturbed by wind turbines, and in fact they usually enjoy the shelter that turbine towers can provide from the wind and the sun. Likewise, working dogs are also unaffected by wind turbines.

Are they noisy?

Wind turbines are mechanical structures with moving parts and therefore they produce sound. As wind turbine technology has eloved, the sound emmitted by wind turbines has decreased. Federal and/or provincial regulation protects local residents against the negative impacts of wind farms, by introducing noise limits and minimum setbacks between residential dwellings and wind turbines.

Farm animals and wind farms co-exist very happily

People visiting wind farms are surprised how quiet they are