A public hearing was held by Wheatland County council on Tuesday, August 24 regarding the redesignation of some 471 acres of land for a new wind energy project, known as the Wheatland Wind project, which will be located approximately 20 to 30 kilometres southeast of the Town of Drumheller.
The project received approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission in September 2018, and Wheatland County council gave first reading to the proposed land redesignation during the July 13 regular council meeting.
“The approvals align with statutory policies and, in general, applications like this tend to be in the public interest, contributing to the electrical grid in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner is a positive,” said Wheatland County senior planner Stefan Kunz during the public hearing. “It increases energy availability to all the province, and locally there will be tax revenue and job creation benefits to Wheatland County as well.”
A total of three written submissions from two area landowners were received ahead of the public hearing, all opposing the proposed wind project.
One submission, from an area landowner, cited concerns over the cost effectiveness of the wind project, as well as environmental and noise impacts the turbines will have on the area.
The second submission came from an oil and gas company with mineral and surface leases within the project boundary, which also cited noise levels as a concern, as well as the impact the project will have on future development for the company.
Division 7 Councillor Ben Armstrong noted the only comments he has received from area landowners in his division, where the project will be located, is “when it’s going to happen.”
Construction is anticipated to begin mid-October this year, though it will break for winter mid-November; the facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2022.
During the construction phase it is estimated the project will create some 200 jobs, with between five and 15 full-time jobs permanently created once operational, including an on-site facility manager.
Council carried second and third reading unanimously.
