The sun shines bright around Drumheller, creating one of the best sources for solar power in the world.  
    Starland County is continuing to tap the solar potential of southern Alberta and has consequently become a provincial leader in renewable energy. One of its main initiatives is the construction of solar arrays on farms throughout the county.
    To keep the sun shining on Starland’s energy future, the County is hosting a series of open houses to encourage area farms to hook up to solar power.
    On November 27, 28, and 29, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the County will host open houses at the Munson, Rumsey, and Delia Halls, respectively.
    “These information sessions are to give people an opportunity to come visit with myself and other county representatives about our experience with the practical experience with photovoltaic solar installations. We hope by understanding the simplicity, costs, and benefits of solar people will be interested in becoming engaged in our project.” says Jordan Webber, Starland County Economic Development Officer. “We have funding that can benefit our residents by paying for a portion of a solar installation. We hope that everyone becomes involved at some level with this project.”
    One of the goals of Starland County is to support the installation of 100 kW of solar capacity. The County is well on its way to acheiving that goal.
    “Within this project, we have put in 30 kW, which is three projects. We also have a few more lined up,” said Webber. “Things have been working out great. The guys who have installed already are very happy with how it produces at their farms.”
    The program has farms install a solar array on their property. The energy it produces first helps power the property, then any excess is sold back to the grid. Eventually the array pays for itself and begins to generate a profit.
    “Right now, we’re looking at a 9,500 W system, which we call a 10 kw system, it costs around $40,000. The County pays $3,000 of that,” said Webber. “We’re predicting it would be paid back in about 12 years. Then, there’s probably 20 or more years after that, you’d be earning profits.”
    According to Webber, there is no better time to hook up.
    “It is the right time to get involved in this industry. The costs are as low as they will ever be and power rates continue to go up. We can really start off on a sustainable basis by getting people involved with this technology and generating our own power,” said Webber.
    The first open house will be held at the Munson Community Hall on November 27 at 7 p.m. The following evening, an open house will be held at the  Rumsey Community Hall. The final open house will be held at the Delia Community Hall on November 29.

    It was yet another wild weekend for winter weather. The Drumheller area was buried in a thick blanket of snow.
    Starting Friday afternoon, a snowstorm blew in and continued for most of the weekend. Town staff were busy throughout the weekend clearing as much snow as they could.
    “The crew was ready to go. They started as early as possible and worked through the weekend. They were still out until about 6 p.m.  (Sunday) to catch up,” said Allan Kendrick, Director of Infrastructure Services. “We’re still doing a bunch of walks and other areas. To get caught up, it depends on the wind and any more snow.”

Town of Drumheller crews have been out virtually nonstop clearing snow since the Valley was blanketed in snow over the weekend. A winter storm blasted the area starting on Friday, leaving a thick blanket of snow over Drumheller. RCMP responded to six accidents over the weekend, none of which were serious, however.

    The major roads in Drumheller have received plowing and crews are working hard to improve road conditions wherever possible.
    “They are sanding and salting. It doesn’t work too great in that -20 degree (Celsius) range, but if it warms up a little, it should help give more traction for folks,” said Kendrick. “Everywhere we have to be, we try to get there as quickly as possible.”
    The Town of Drumheller plows the major roads in Drumheller and airport as per the 2007 Snow Removal and Ice Control Strategy approved by the council of the day. Residents hoping for their residential road to be cleared will likely not see a plow on their front street.
    Kendrick anticipates a review of the strategy in the near future.
    “We have  service levels with priorities approved by council. Our service levels will be reviewed by council in the near future, so there could be changes there,” said Kendrick.
    Despite the severe weather, the Drumheller RCMP reported few instances of vehicles going off the road.
    “There were a few accidents, but nothing too severe. There was one that had minor injuries,” said Staff Sergeant Art Hopkins.
    Relief may be in sight for the area. Environment Canada is forecasting a sunny remainder of the week and even an dramatic increase in temperature by Sunday, which could see a high of 7 degrees Celsius.