Our last post highlighted a peer-reviewed poll conducted by CSIRO in Australia that showed strong support by the silent majority in spite of active anti-wind activities by a few.
Two polls conducted in Ontario say the same thing.
The first, conducted by Ipsos Reid covered all of Ontario in the summer of 2010. The key findings were:
Most Ontarians –in every region of the province –support the production of wind energy in their region of the province.
In fact, support for wind energy production remains high, even when the geographic location mentioned is “in your community”. Just three in ten say they wouldn’t want wind turbines in their community.
While a minority of Ontarians are aware of wind energy developments in their area, a majority of those living in the southwest corner of the province claim to be aware of these developments.
The main benefits of wind energy, unaided, are that it is cheap, good on the environment, clean and renewable.
The main drawbacks of wind energy, unaided, are that it is loud, ugly, needs wind and concerns over health issues.
Most Ontarians believe that cleaner and alternative forms of energy should be produced in Ontario, particularly since the BP oil spill. Ontarians want governments to support these kinds of initiatives, perhaps because most think wind energy would provide economic benefits and most believe it has less impact on human health.
Here's the data when people are asked if they support wind in their community. Click on the image to magnify it.
The second poll was also conducted by Ipsos Reid, but conducted in Grey Highlands, also in the summer of 2010. Seventy percent support wind in their community.
Admittedly, these polls aren't current but they still demonstrate a strong level of support for wind everywhere in Ontario, including at least one rural area.
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