Strong opposition was voiced by council and residents at the Town of Hanna’s regular council meeting on Sept 10 in response to an update of the Harvest Sky Solar Project.
PACE Canada LLP (PACE) presented details on the Harvest Sky Solar Project, phase one, planned for a site adjacent to the town’s airport. The 15 megawatt (MW) project is in the final engineering and design phase, with Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) permits expected in early 2025, construction anticipated in the second quarter of 2025 and the project expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2026.
Claude Mindorff, Director of Development for PACE and representative Rhonda Barron gave a virtual presentation to council, providing an update on the solar farm project.
Significant opposition to the solar farm was voiced early in the presentation.
Barron acknowledged that a landowner group had formed in opposition to the project. She stated that any concerns not addressed during the presentation could be taken to AUC, which as an authorized body would handle those issues.
Coun. Fred Crowle noted that the last time Mindorff had spoken to council was in December 2023 and questioned why they could not make the presentation in person. Barron replied that she was “of a generation” that felt virtual communication served them well and reduced greenhouse gas emissions and travel time.
Coin. Kyle Olsen expressed concern about the potential for accidents caused by solar glare, noting that the cause might never be identified. In response, Mindorff explained that the project had been modified to include fixed, billboard-style panels and that the setback had been extended to 120 metres to eliminate the risk of solar glare.
Barron indicated that aviation concerns, including solar glare and emergency landing disruptions had been addressed in consultation with local pilots and that there was “absolutely no concerns whatsoever” from Alberta Health Services (AHS) or from Canwest who conducted the aviation assessment.
When asked how they came up with the 120 metre setback Mindorff said “it was a random number that the pilots threw out there that they (PACE) agreed to,” adding that there was no technical reason to it.
In response to questions from Coun. Sandra Beaudoin about whether other airports allow similar projects, Barron stated that solar farms are currently being considered at both the Red Deer and Innisfail airports.
Barron said that numerous communities have expressed strong interest in solar projects, with many “knocking at our door, saying they really like this idea.”
She added, “They see this as a sustainable, innovative form of development and are eager to invite us to their communities to explore further opportunities, viewing it as the way forward.”
“We are not interested in being first,” said Olsen, noting the unknown risks and that residents do not support the project. He also pointed out that the council had written a letter in opposition to the project.
“The only way we are going to eliminate risk is by not having it here,” stated Olsen.
Olsen also reminded Mindorff that at the last meeting, PACE said that if the town did not want the project, they would be “a good neighbour.” and not build there.
“Nobody has a technical issue with what we are doing except the council and some other opponents of the development of the project. There is no technical reason for us not to build this project in this area, on private land, with our land partner in relation to the operation of the airport,” said Mindorff, suggesting the council file a Statement of Intent to participate in the AUC process if they had concerns.
“If I listened to the 15 people that showed up, there would be nowhere in Alberta to build a solar plant,” Mindorff said, adding that people oppose solar projects “pretty much all across Alberta.”
“Are you getting a vibe that you’re welcomed here?” asked Olsen.
“I’m getting a vibe,” replied Mindorff.
“As council we are elected to represent the people of Hanna and we have expressed that we don’t want this,” said Coun. Crowle.
He also referenced a previous meeting where Mindorff was asked how many people would need to voice opposition for the project to be halted. Mindorff had responded that it would take more than “the 35 loud mouth people” present at that meeting.
“That shows a lot of respect,” Crowle added.
“As far as I’m concerned we are moving on with this project through AUC,” stated Mindorff, noting that they have invested half million dollars and their shareholders have directed them to proceed.
“We are speaking on behalf of our community,” said Beaudoin. “We don’t want you in our community.” adding that residents have invested money in their properties.
She also pointed out that the land owner on which the solar farm is to be developed does not live in the community and does not have a vested interest in it.
Barron responded to concerns about the loss of agricultural land, explaining that the area in question is classified as Class 5, which indicates very severe limitations for agricultural use.
However, Beaudoin questioned the classification, pointing out her familiarity with the Land Suitability Rating.
“The map we have shows it as Class 4, and we are still able to produce on that land,” she added.
Coun. Murphy noted that the presenters gave incorrect information and implied council was rude. “Don’t treat us like we are idiots.”
“You’re going to find faults because you don’t support the project.” said Barron, “We have a robust comprehensive consultation program. The lengths to which we go are above and beyond.”
Barron highlighted potential benefits of the project, including $218,000 in tax revenue, temporary construction jobs, two or three full-time employment positions as well as contributions to Alberta’s carbon reduction targets.
She also highlighted the environmental benefits of the project, emphasizing that it would address food, water and energy needs in a “sustainable, innovative way.”
Beaudoin remained unconvinced about the environmental impact, stating that the project would negatively affect local residents.
When asked whether the project could be expanded, Mindorff confirmed that it could.
Coun. Angie Warwick then asked if PACE would ever consider withdrawing from a project.
“We have never had a project that hasn’t moved forward,” Mindorff responded.
Council thanked PACE for the presentation.
Following the update, a public delegation voiced strong opposition including announcing a website and legal representation for affected residents.
Cheryl Bowman
Multimedia reporter
ECA Review
