SANDRA M STANWAY
Brooks Bulletin
Pace has received a letter of support for their Salt Flats solar project in the Uplands area from the City of Brooks.
The letter dated Oct. 10, 2024, one day after Pace refiled their application, states that the city does support the project as submitted to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) subject to the company proceeding with the same development that was part of the 2023 application.
The previous application was withdrawn by the AUC in May 2024 days prior to Pace seeking support from the city. At the time the city decided to withhold support until they were sure that the new application would be the same.
The AUC advised the city of the new 25.9 megawatt solar project application on Oct. 9.
Since it was filed there have been close to 100 statements of intent to participate in an AUC hearing on the project which is expected to be held. Of those who filed the statements about 59 are outside the 800m radius of the project. Those who are within the 400m radius of notification do have the right to a personal consultation with Pace under the AUC’s rules.
Rhonda Barron, Pace Canada’s project and communication coordinator, said an AUC representative told her that interveners who are outside of 800 metres are not typically granted standing unless they are part of a group.
“If Salt Flats forms a group and there is at least one within 800 m, those who are beyond can join that group and offer up their evidence,” she said.
