SANDRA M STANWAY
Brooks Bulletin
As of Sunday 88 people had registered a statement of intent to participate with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) should there be a hearing for Pace Canada’s Salt Flats 25.9 megawatt solar farm near Uplands in Brooks.
The farm is proposed to be constructed on 175 acres of grazed land using 51,360 bi-facial panels and seven 4000 kilowatt inverters within the city’s boundaries.
The produced electricity will be connected to FortisAlberta’s distribution network.
In their application Pace anticipated approval from the AUC by Dec. 1, 2024 so they can begin construction in 2025.
One resident who lives less than 200m from the proposed site told the AUC, “This is a drastic change in the community structure and people’s lives and these do not need to be that close to a community. Everyone makes out good on this deal except the people that are stuck looking at it. Please consider moving the project.”
Many people are concerned that the project will be an eyesore, will reduce property values and some noted they will have to endure dust and dirt during the construction.
Another asked, “Why are we considering a power generation project in the middle of residential and school development?”
A group of residents believe that the company has not put enough money into a reclamation trust fund, that the project will be detrimental to residents and the installation of the farm is being constructed on limited land that is available within the city limits so it will hinder growth and development without providing any long term jobs or investment.
The last day to file an intent to participate with the AUC is Nov. 4 at 4 p.m.
