At the eleventh hour, Clearwater County is requesting the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) review a proposed solar farm project previously approved for north of Caroline.
With a fast-closing window, council has drafted a letter requesting AUC review the project, as Clearwater County is now the new authority for the region.
The project received approval Feb. 28, following negotiations between the AUC and the former village of Caroline, explained Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Rick Emmons, with negotiations taking place before amalgamation, and thus, largely out of the county’s hands.
However, Councillor Genny Mehlhaff says there is a clause that allows for a 30-day appeal process from the day of the project’s approval.
“We are the authority now, which I believe gives us an appeal standing.” She points to a similar situation in the Municipal District of Pincher Creek, where the local municipality successfully lobbied the AUC on a solar farm project.
Mehlhaff points to AUC rule 106 which allows for appeals if there has been been significant circumstance changes, which she says, the Caroline amalgamation counting as a significant change.
With amalgamation now complete, Mehlhaff adds, the county will now have the responsibility to provide services to support the project, including wastewater and fire protection services.
Representing Caroline on Clearwater County council, former Caroline councillor Barbara Gibson spoke to original negotiations, saying at the time, Caroline council decided the farm would be beneficial to the former village. Acknowledging many local residents are opposed, Gibson said the thought process at the time was houses couldn’t be built at the location, as it was in close proximity to a sour gas line.
Nevertheless, the project has created considerable controversy among area residents with councillors saying they have received many e-mails about it. Additionally, a grassroots group of concerned citizens has organized a meeting March 18 at the Caroline Community Hub to discuss concerns over the solar farm.
Marianne Cole, president of the Clearwater County Taxpayers’ Association opines that the voice of residents opposed to the project was not considered by the AUC, saying the proposed project is “just across the fence line” from properties on the north end of the hamlet.
In correspondence with residents, Councillor Bryan Cermak says residents are not opposed to the project itself, but more so opposed to the location, and adds it would preclude the hamlet from further future development at the site.
Acknowledging concerns from residents, Councillor Dale Lougheed cautioned it may be too late to change course on the project, warning the cost and burden on administration may not be worth it with the project so far down the line.
Whether an appeal is granted or not, Mehlhaff said it was important regardless, the county do “something” to address concerns in the new municipality.
Council’s passed motion reads: “[To] direct administration engage legal council to review section 016 of the AUC decision, and request a review of the Caroline solar installation.”
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