A presentation titled “Personal stories from our community” on a proposed wind generation project in Kneehill County as part of a public delegation at the Aug. 20 Kneehill County council meeting.
The presentation included letters and videos from residents who would be affected by the proposed wind energy project. Many expressed concerns about negative impacts on the agricultural way of life, potential harm to wildlife, noise, aesthetic issues, vibrations and broader environmental impacts.
Many residents expressed worries about raising their families around the wind farm and the potential loss of quality of life, with some stating they would consider moving away if the wind farm was built.
The sentiment shared was a commitment to preserve the unique rural way of life, which as noted, has been maintained for generations, some dating back to 1904.
As reported on April 30, by the East Central Alberta Review, a two-hour town hall meeting was held in the Three Hills Community Center with nearly 200 participants voicing opposition to the project.
According to the website the Lone Pine Wind Project, a subsidiary of Capstone Infrastructure Corporation, is a proposed wind energy development located about 13 km west of Three Hills in Kneehill County.
The project has applied to the Alberta Electric System Operator to connect 466 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity.
During the meeting, Reeve Kenneth King acknowledged the concerns of residents but noted that landowners have a right to host the project.
He emphasized the importance of balancing different viewpoints on council and stressed that requests made to the council are not binding.
“We have expressed our difficulty dealing with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC),” stated King, and encouraged residents to stay involved and passionate about protecting their rights and property.
Coun. Laura Lee Machell-Cunningham suggested that residents send the videos to the premier, their Member of Parliament and ministers to express their concerns.
She highlighted her frustrations with the AUC and its perceived disconnect from rural Alberta’s realities.
“The board is appointed by the province of Alberta and sits in large towers in downtown Calgary, making decisions for those of us that live in rural Alberta,” she said, adding that they do not adequately reflect what the residents are saying or feeling.
“It’s very frustrating for us, but our hands are tied,” said Machell-Cunningham
She also noted that Reeve King had sent a letter to Premier Danielle Smith and had not received a response to date. “That’s a problem.”
Coun. Carrie Fobes questioned whether the AUC considered the impacts of the project on local populations, wondering “if people are leaving, how is that not part of my public interest?”
Coun. Debbie Penner agreed and urged continued advocacy across all levels of government.
Coun. Wade Christie noted a discrepancy in the province’s statements regarding the use of Class 1 or 2 agricultural land for such projects.
“They said they wouldn’t put it on any agricultural land that is Class 1 or 2 and in the same statement said the map that they were using showed no Class 1 or 2 land in the province. As an agricultural producer I find that very insulting.”
Coun. Faye McGhee commended the group on working together as a community. “That is what makes our county, our province and our nation great.”
Reeve King concluded by urging residents not to give up their fight, stating that the battle isn’t over until a final decision is made.
“I [hear] your frustrations. In spite of the commitment made by the Premier herself, we still have not heard back,” adding, “Thank you for the concern that you have for the place where you live, which is Kneehill County, which is where I live.”
Cheryl Bowman
Multimedia reporter
ECA Review
