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AIMS Energy

2014, Volume 2, Issue 4: 424-442. doi: 10.3934/energy.2014.4.424
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Wind energy development and perceived real estate values in Ontario, Canada

  • 1.
    Department of Geography, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada;
  • 2.
    Environmental Science Program, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C2, Canada
  • Received: 03 October 2014 Accepted: 19 November 2014 Published: 27 November 2014

  • This paper focuses on public concerns about real estate value loss in communities in the vicinity of wind turbines. There are some conflicting results in recent academic and non-academic literatures on the issue of property values in general—yet little has been studied about how residents near turbines view the value of their own properties. Using both face-to-face interviews (n = 26) and community survey results (n = 152) from two adjacent communities, this exploratory mixed-method study contextualizes perceived property value loss. Interview results suggest a potential connection between perceived property value loss and actual property value loss, whereby assumed property degradation from turbines seem to lower both asking and selling prices. This idea is reinforced by regression results which suggest that felt property value loss is predicted by health concerns, visual annoyances and community-based variables. Overall, the findings point to the need for greater attention to micro-level local, and interconnected impacts of wind energy development.

    Citation: Chad Walker, Jamie Baxter, Sarah Mason, Isaac Luginaah, Danielle Ouellette. Wind energy development and perceived real estate values in Ontario, Canada[J]. AIMS Energy, 2014, 2(4): 424-442. doi: 10.3934/energy.2014.4.424

    Related Papers:

  • This paper focuses on public concerns about real estate value loss in communities in the vicinity of wind turbines. There are some conflicting results in recent academic and non-academic literatures on the issue of property values in general—yet little has been studied about how residents near turbines view the value of their own properties. Using both face-to-face interviews (n = 26) and community survey results (n = 152) from two adjacent communities, this exploratory mixed-method study contextualizes perceived property value loss. Interview results suggest a potential connection between perceived property value loss and actual property value loss, whereby assumed property degradation from turbines seem to lower both asking and selling prices. This idea is reinforced by regression results which suggest that felt property value loss is predicted by health concerns, visual annoyances and community-based variables. Overall, the findings point to the need for greater attention to micro-level local, and interconnected impacts of wind energy development.


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