The Community
Press 115 Years of Telling YOUR Story
Volume 115 Issue 42
www.thecommunitypress.com
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Page 10
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 s
Flagstaff rolls out big welcome at Open House
Flagstaff County held an Open House last Wednesday, April 19, all part of their public consultation policy. This yearʼs open house included an opportunity to explore the big equipment items used by Public Works, and an opportunity to try a grader simulator, thanks to Finning Canada. Above: Reeve Don Kroetch tries his hand at the simulator while councillor Rick Manning and Brian from Finning Canada look on.
PACE pleased with feedback at Killam Solar project meeting Leslie Cholowsky Editor
PACE Canada hosted a public information and consultation session on Thursday, April 20, in Killam at the Agriplex Multipurpose room. The presentation included an introduction to PACE from Claude Mindorff, Canadian Director of Development. PACE Canada is proposing a solar field development in Killam. The company walked participants through the details of their proposal, as well as the approval process and timeline. The proposed site for Killam is located north of Highway 13 and east of Highway 36, on approximately 126 hectares, located within town limits. Power generated by the solar panels will be interconnected to FORTIS at the Sedgewick 1378 substation. Killam Mayor Ben Kellert says “The proposed development is between the developer, PACE, and the property owner, as the land is privately owned.” PACE is a Canadian company, jointly owned by Pathfinder Clean Energy in the UK and
Goldbeck Solar, a large-scale solar developer based in Germany. The proposed Killam field would be one of nine projects the company has in-construction or secured for development, with similar projects in the works in Lougheed and Viking. According to a map published by the Pembina Institute in 2020, parts of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario represent excellent areas for solar energy projects. In the proposal, PACE says, “Alberta has some of the best irradiance in the country.” Projects like Killams are targeted towards lands that are not ecologically or historically sensitive that would be suitable for a utility-scale solar farm development. The Killam site is projected to generate 21.6 MWAC (MegaWatt, Alternating Current. It is a measure of the power output from a solar installation), generating enough energy to power 4,040 homes. The initial public information session is one of many steps that must be taken before construction can start.
PACE first met with Town Council to determine if there was an appetite for this type of project within Killam. Kellert says, “It would bring some revenue to the town as well as increased ‘traffic’ and exposure during the development of the project,” also confirming that PACE has not asked for any special treatment or perks from Council. Kellert said he was looking forward to the meeting providing information that would dispel any myths or rumours that may exist, “And to set minds at ease who may have concerns.” PACE says the initial engineering and design minimizes the impact to the land, adhering to setbacks set by the Province, and avoiding any existing infrastructure. The next step through the Alberta Utilities Commission approvals are glint and glare studies. PACE says, “Solar panels are designed to absorb as much light as possible, not reflect it.” But these studies must be done to ensure there are no negative impacts to traffic, surrounding occupants, or air traffic. “All solar farm developments
must consult with registered and unregistered aerodromes within 4,000 metres of the project. “If you know anyone with an unregistered landing strip or helipad in the area, please let us know,” the company literature says. Results of all necessary approvals and studies will be posted on a website unique to the Killam project, at oldbearsolar.ca Details and updates on the Lougheed project can be found at: peterlougheedsolar.ca Wednesday’s meeting was
one of three proposed public information sessions on the project, with individual consultations for stakeholders directly within 400m and those within an 800m radius also given the opportunity to learn about the project through information packages that were mailed out. Rhonda Barron Canadian Project and Communications Coordinator from PACE says “Both events were well attended,” referring to the Lougheed and Killam Public Information sessions. She adds, “The Project proposals are well received.”
Illustration from PACE Canadaʼs information package on a proposed new solar project for Killam.