Did you know Ontario wind farms have rules that limit turbine sounds at nearby homes to 40–51 dBA — roughly the same as a refrigerator hum or light rainfall? One more reason to put #RenewablesON

Background Information

One of the most common arguments used to oppose wind energy is that turbines make people sick from the sound pollution. But the science simply doesn't support this claim. Health Canada's Wind Turbine Noise and Health Study — one of the most comprehensive of its kind in the world — found no link between wind turbine noise levels and sleep quality, stress, blood pressure or chronic disease. A multidisciplinary expert panel reached the same conclusion: "There is no evidence that the audible or sub-audible sounds emitted by wind turbines have any direct adverse physiological effects."

Some people living near turbines do report annoyance — and that experience is worth taking seriously. But annoyance is not the same as physiological harm. Before any wind energy project is built in Ontario, developers must complete rigorous environmental assessments that include noise studies, and monitoring continues both before and after construction to ensure sound levels remain within regulated limits. These are not self-reported protections — they are enforced by provincial law.

Ontario has a large potential supply of wind energy that could be developed to help phase-out dirty gas plants. Wind is now one of the cheapest forms of new power generation in most of the world — and Canada is no exception. In Canada, new onshore wind now costs as little as 5 cents per kilowatt-hour — up to four times cheaper than new gas-fired power. 

With Ontario in the midst of one of the biggest energy acquisition processes in the province’s history - it is important now, more than ever, that we get the facts straight on how and why our communities need renewable energy. We can do this by highlighting the many ways renewable energy projects can meet our energy needs and contribute to the economic growth and environmental health of Ontario communities. 

We need your help taking up space on communication channels with accurate information about renewable energy! 

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Sources

Ontario's 40 dBA noise regulation for wind farms: Ontario Ministry of the Environment. Noise Guidelines for Wind Farms

Health Canada's Wind Turbine Noise and Health Study (no association with diagnosed health conditions): Health Canada. Wind Turbine Noise and Health Study: Summary of Results.

Expert panel quote — "no evidence that audible or sub-audible sounds emitted by wind turbines have any direct adverse physiological effects": Colby, W.D., et al. Wind Turbine Sound and Health Effects: An Expert Panel Review. American Wind Energy Association & Canadian Wind Energy Association, 2009.