Residents in Waterford are expressing concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving a consulting firm engaged in a proposed wind farm project in their community southeast of Sussex. The issue arises from Dillon Consulting’s dual roles, working for both Natural Forces, the project proponent, and the Kings Regional Service Commission, responsible for local services.
Mary Ann Coleman, a former committee chair for the Waterford Local Service District, highlighted worries among community members regarding the firm’s conflicting positions, raising doubts about the integrity of the project’s approval process. Coleman emphasized the widespread discontent within the community, stating, “Oh, everybody’s appalled. Everybody’s very angry that we’re in this situation where we’re dealing with a company that is in a complete conflict of interest.”
Natural Forces plans to commence construction on the initial 15 wind turbines in the upcoming fall. The environmental impact assessment for the project has been greenlit, and a power purchase agreement has been finalized with N.B. Power. The Paqt’smawei Sipu Wind Project, a venture involving Natural Forces, Indian Island First Nation, and Mi’gmaq United Investment Network, has the green light to erect up to 42 wind turbines, each approximately 200 meters tall.
Tess Donohue, the project manager for the wind farm at Natural Forces, disclosed that Dillon Consulting has been involved in the project since 2024, primarily handling the environmental impact assessment. Dillon Consulting, a planning and consulting firm with a national presence, including offices in Fredericton, Saint John, and Moncton, is also contracted to provide planning services for the service commission.
Donohue defended the firm’s involvement, stating that Dillon Consulting has a history of working with Natural Forces and downplaying the potential conflict of interest concerns. Despite repeated interview requests, both the service commission and Dillon Consulting remained unresponsive to CBC News.
In a bid to move the project forward, Natural Forces is seeking an amendment to Waterford’s rural plan, aiming to allow large-scale wind turbines in rural use zones. This amendment, subject to government regulations and sound guidelines, includes conditions such as maintaining a minimum distance of 1,000 meters from dwelling units and 500 meters from public roads.
The proposed changes have triggered objections from Coleman, who fears seasonal property owners might lose their status as dwelling units under the revised definitions. Donohue explained that it is customary to exclude seasonal properties from setback requirements in wind farm projects due to reduced occupancy periods.
The planning committee of the commission endorsed the amendment with a 6-0 vote, forwarding the recommendation to Local Government Minister Aaron Kennedy for the final decision. The commission is soliciting feedback on the proposed amendments to Waterford’s rural plan.