Tilting at windmills

An Ottawa man is trying to have city bylaws ammended to allow him to erect a power-generating windmill in his back yard:

About 20 of Findlay's neighbours showed up at the committee meeting Wednesday to express their opposition to the turbine. Some said they support the concept, but have safety concerns.

Kinda sad, isn't it? This isn't just NIMBY, this is NIYBY (Not In Your Backyard)! Many houses in Bells Corners have large yards, so the setback wouldn't be an issue. The 10 m height would still be a problem, though. Windmill man's suggestion is interesting:

"We should take the lead from the Europeans who are installing these not only in backyards, but on street poles, lighting poles, on schools, on fences, on bridges," he said.

Finally, a good use for these hideous structures!