Background

Wainfleet Wind Energy Inc. was formed in 2009 by the Loeffen brothers: John, Harold and the late Bill. The Loeffen family has a long history of farming starting with their father who came to Wainfleet in the 1950’s. Since then his three sons have taken the business to new heights successfully expanding, diversifying and employing technology to increase the efficiency and sustainability of their farming operations.

The Wainfleet Wind Energy Project represents the Loeffen’s first foray into the field of renewable power generation, something the family believes will benefit the community they live in and also contribute positively to a cleaner environment. Farmers have always fed the cities but now through this opportunity in diversification, they will also feed the cities much needed power produced with far fewer environmental consequences.

In 2012, the Loeffens partnered with Rankin Construction Inc., a local contractor with similar deep roots in the Niagara Region and a well known committment to the environment and renewable energy. In addition to more than 40 years building local infrastructure and employing many throughout the Region, Rankin has constructed 15 wind projects including Ontario's first wind farm. Rankin will use this extensive experience to ensure the success of wind power in Niagara providing clean, affordable and sustainable power for future generations .

Please follow the links below if you wish to learn more about these two companies.

Project Owners, Wind Turbine Host Landowners & Long Term Local Wainfleet Farming Family

Wainfleet Wind Energy Inc. was formed in 2009 by the Loeffen brothers;   John, Harold and Bill.  While the Wainfleet Wind Energy Project would represent their first foray into the field of power generation, the Loeffen family has a long history of successfully diversifying and employing technology to increase the efficiency and sustainability of their operations.

Since its establishment in the early 1950’s, Loeffen Farms Ltd. has grown from a relatively small family farm business into a diversified and profitable company.  Loeffen Farms Ltd. employs several full time and part time staff as well as seasonal workers.  Loeffen Farms Ltd. was the first in North America to implement European technology that fully automated waste management systems, saving considerable manpower while meeting stricter European processing standards.

A dedication to agricultural-based business and an ongoing commitment to environmental and ecological innovation has led to the development of Wainfleet Wind Energy Inc.  As supporters of “green energy” and renewable resources,  Wainfleet Wind Energy Inc. maintains a commitment toward sustainable and environmentally friendly operations.  With strong roots in agriculture, the Loeffen family knows the importance of agricultural land and will show how renewable power can be an valuable tool in keeping Ontario's farms in production with a negligible footprint on the land.

Project Partner and Experience Wind Farm Constructor

Rankin Construction Inc. is an Ontario company, based out of St. Catharines, that has served this province since 1978 through a wide range of complex heavy civil projects integral to Ontario's infrastructure. Over move than 40 years Rankin has developed a reputation for integrity, quality of workmanship and innovation through its highway, road and sewer work and also in more complex marine work, bridges and renewable energy projects. These qualities have resulted in the long-term relationships Rankin has with its satisfied clients.

In 2002, Rankin built the roads and foundations for the first wind farm in Ontario and has since constructed 14 other wind farms using Vestas, GE and Enercon turbines on both deep and shallow foundations. Rankin also has valuable power development experience, working with the Regional Municipality of Niagara on a 10MW wind project and successfuly developing, constructing and operating three 2.0MW Hydro Electric stations along the Welland Canal.

Rankin is privileged to be able to join the Loeffen family as part owners of Wainfleet Wind Energy Inc. and to have the opportunity to bring the first wind farms to Niagara. The local ownership and reasonable scale of this project make it an ideal project for a region of Ontario known for its roots in the harnessing of renewable energy. This project allows Niagara to further harness its abundant natural resources while providing the maximum local benefit.