Author: Peter Annable

The Lake Matinenda Cottage Owners Association (LMCOA) advises you that First Light Power has withdrawn their request for municipal support of the proposed industrial wind turbine development between Elliot and Blind River at this time. 

The following statement was issued by First Light Power today:

“Following a detailed review of the wind resource data and in consideration of the feedback we have received through our consultations to date, we have determined that additional time is required to optimize the project layout.  Taking this additional time will ensure that we do not rush the process and that we bring forward the strongest possible project; one that is thoughtfully designed, incorporates community perspectives, and is technically sound.

As a result, we will not be submitting the Pathfinder Wind Project into the first procurement window of Ontario’s Long-Term 2 (LT2) process.  We continue to see significant potential for this project and anticipate submitting it in a future LT2 procurement window once the layout has been refined and our consultations with Blind River and it’s neighbours are more complete.”

What this means is that the proposal for the industrial wind turbine development between Elliot Lake and Blind River will not be submitted to the Ontario government in October.  We have asked the Town of Blind River to inform us of any future proposals that may impact Lake Matinenda and the surrounding area, and they have indicated that they are happy to do so.

The virtual information session scheduled for Tuesday, September 16 at 7PM has been cancelled.  Anyone who has registered for this meeting will receive an email from First Light further advising them of the cancellation.

We will keep you informed as we develop a strategy going forward. Please share this information with other individuals and entities who may be impacted. 

Thank you for your concern, support and community minded action.  You make a difference.

With thanks,

Board, Lake Matinenda Cottage Owners Association (LMCOA)

The Lake Matinenda Cottage Owners Association (LMCOA) encourages you to attend a virtual information session regarding the proposed industrial wind turbine farm development between Elliot Lake and Blind River. This session will be conducted by the company submitting the proposal to the Ontario government for approval.

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM est
Location: Microsoft Teams meeting, register here.

This session is open to cottage owners, area residents, political leaders, First Nations, businesses, community groups, and associations. Your participation is crucial. The proposed development has the potential to significantly impact both the environmental health and the socio-economic well-being of this treasured and pristine area.

During the session, you will have the opportunity to:

·         Learn details of the proposed project.

·         Ask questions and raise concerns.

·         Contribute your input to ensure that those directly impacted are fully heard.

The LMCOA is committed to ensuring that the community has access to clear information and a complete consultation process with the project proponent.

To register and receive the meeting link, sign up here.  

Share this information with other individuals and entities who may be impacted.

Your participation matters. Please be there and share your voice.

Thanks in advance for your support,

Board, Lake Matinenda Cottage Owners Association (LMCOA)

Note: the planned date for the education session is now September 16th.

The cottage association board has recently learned about a project proposal that would impact the immediate area around Lake Matinenda if it is approved by the Ontario government. It is a wind farm project intended to bring additional hydro to the area. Two community consultations have been held – one in Blind River, and one in Elliot Lake. A cottage association member received this document regarding the proposal from the open house in Blind River, https://drive.google.com/…/1Y6Flpx1aAnxY…/view…

Additional information is available https://firstlight.energy/pathfinder-wind-project/.

The project team working on the proposal has agreed to hold an additional, virtual education session for the Lake Matinenda Cottage Owners Association this coming Tuesday, September 16th at 7:00 PM EST (link to follow soon). This is your opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. It is an opportunity for all of us to share with other interested and/or impacted parties, so that they may also learn, question and comment.

Here’s how you can help at this time:

• Attend the meeting. Do all you can to clear your schedule and be there. You will have the opportunity to put forward your questions and concerns following the session, verbally and/or in writing.
• Do your homework. Read the proposal. Research your questions in advance of the session.
• Share this information with your neighbours – on the lake and in the area. Invite other cottage owners, residents, area political leaders, businesses and groups to attend. The board will be doing the same. If a person or group is invited more than once, it will emphasize how important it is for them to attend.
• Stay calm. For an issue this important, cool heads must prevail.

Following the session, there will be more work to be done. The board will be following this process closely, and set up a schedule for updating you with what we know – through the facebook group, by email and on the website. If you acquire information beyond what you see in the updates, please let us know by reaching out to lmcoacontactus@gmail.com.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

Sincerely,

Your LMCOA Board