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Wind Turbine Design Constraints

Res #: 6-24M
Number: 6
Year: 2024
Midterm: Yes
Expired: No
Responses Received: Yes
Departments: Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations

WHEREAS municipalities do not have industry professionals on staff to be advising council what constraints should be in zoning bylaws.

WHEREAS elected officials should not be responsible for setting restrictions where there could be potential health concerns.

WHEREAS these projects are stemming from provincial and federal governments to advance renewable energy.

BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the provincial government to have provincial standards and regulations in place for wind turbine design constraints including but not limited to setbacks from residence, other industries, property lines and height restrictions.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if the provincial government is not willing to introduce standards and regulations for wind turbines then a moratorium be implemented on wind projects in the province until there are regulations for municipalities to follow.

Responses From: Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations

December 17, 2024

  • Municipalities are a level of government with autonomy to govern development in their jurisdiction in accordance with their official community plan (0CP) and zoning bylaw (ZB).
  • The Planning and Development Act, 2007 grants authority to municipalities to adopt an 0CP and ZB to guide development and land use within their jurisdiction.
  • The Planning and Development Act, 2007 requires an 0CP to be created in consultation with a registered professional planner. Municipalities are encouraged to review best practices and development standards with a professional planner in the creation of their OCP and ZB.

Hon. Eric Schmalz – Minister of Government Relations, Government of Saskatchewan