The City of Hamilton has placed its support behind the Lake Ontario Offshore Network (LOON), a consortium of Lake Ontario based organizations formed last week to encourage and facilitate the development of offshore wind power in Ontario.
At its meeting on Wednesday, the City of Hamilton passed a Council motion supporting the formation of the consortium and recognizing the importance of the estimated $850 million in direct economic benefits to the members of the local wind energy supply chain and the City of Hamilton.
“Hamilton is the heart of Canada’s manufacturing sector and clearly we believe with our industry expertise, know-how and skilled labour force, our city can play a central role in the LOON network,” said City of Hamilton Ward 15 Councilor Judi Partridge . “With strong industry partnerships, the Port of Hamilton and an experienced wind supply chain network, this project is an exciting opportunity for Hamilton and we are proud to be part of it”.
The City of Hamilton’s support is the latest in a number of Hamilton organizations joining together for this effort.
Hamilton consortium members include McKeil Marine, Bermingham Foundation Solutions, Walters Inc., Samuel Sons & Co., and the Hamilton Port Authority.
“The Lake Ontario Offshore Network is pleased to have the City of Hamilton join in our efforts to encourage the Ontario government to prepare for the anticipated growth in offshore wind energy and to do what it can to attract these jobs and investments to Ontario,” stated Ian Baines, President of Windstream Wolfe Island Shoals , a member of the Lake Ontario Offshore Network.
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Offshore WIND staff, November 21, 2011