The Ontario government Friday suspended all offshore wind turbine projects, saying the science is too green.
The decision puts on hold indefinitely all offshore wind project applicants with contracts to move ahead and those waiting for approval, including Toronto Hydro's proposal to erect about 70 wind turbines in Lake Ontario stretching from the Leslie Street Spit in Toronto all the way east to Ajax.
The 141 applications currently with the Ministry of Natural Resources, will be refunded, a spokeswoman said.
It was unclear what, if any, impact the government's decision would have on a current case before Ontario's Superior Court.
Anti-wind campaigners are attempting to overturn regulations for land-based turbines, arguing that dangers to human health were never properly considered by the government.
Mr. Wilkinson said there is a more thorough understanding of traditional wind turbines.
The world's only offshore wind turbine in a freshwater lake is in Lake Vanern in Sweden, and it is a pilot project. In Ohio a five turbine pilot project is proposed for Lake Erie.
Although some were surprised by an announcement, Eric Gillespie, an environmental lawyer, said that a few months ago it seemed the Ontario government was changing course on offshore renewable energy projects.
The government announced that there needed to be a five kilometre distance between turbines in water and shorelines.
The ministry would not say whether public pressure played a role in the suspension, confirming only that further scientific data was needed.
