Kneehill County is arming ratepayers with information after approving fact sheets for landowners and neighbours of landowners considering leasing land for renewable energy developments during the regular Tuesday, March 14 council meeting.
Administration were directed in January to develop an information fact sheet based on current Alberta legislation for landowners, and adjacent landowners, contemplating a potential lease.
“One document was just too much for those two topics (landowner and adjacent landowners), and the potential impact was significantly different,” explained director of Community Services Kevin Gannon during the meeting. “The potential impact was significantly different, and due course of action felt it required different due diligence.”
A draft of the fact sheet was presented during the February 21 Committee of the Whole meeting, where administration received further direction for the final draft.
The landowner information sheet outlines some of the considerations which should be kept in mind during discussions with potential developers-the duration of the lease contract, potential landowner liability for end-of-life obligations and reclamation. It also includes potential concerns a renewable energy lease could have for adjacent landowners to the project such as construction traffic and noise.
Council recommended making some final amendments to include information regarding pest and weed control.
Adjacent landowners are also being provided with information, such as contacting the Alberta Utility Commission (AUC) during the approval process with concerns regarding a proposed development, and the limitations of the County once the AUC has approved a development.
Both documents recommend landowners and adjacent landowners engage with legal professionals as legislation is subject to change.

After more than a decade as superintendent and more than 30 years with the Golden Hills School Division, Bevan Daverne announced he will be retiring in August of 2023.
Bevan has successfully built a culture focused on prioritizing what is best for students. Serving as Superintendent of Golden Hills School Division since August 2011, Bevan has brought many initiatives and programs to the division.
“Looking back at these past three decades I have had the good fortune to work with so many amazing individuals in all areas of our school system. Those people have profoundly impacted me very positively – both personally and professionally,” said Daverne. “I have been delighted to see our division continue to improve and grow in so many ways and have a strong sense of pride in where we are today. I continue to be struck by the individuals working in Golden Hills, in the variety of roles they have, who give so much of themselves - constantly going above and beyond to support students and the teams they work with. I have been lucky to be able to be a part of the remarkable work our teachers and school administrators have accomplished and all they have done to improve achievement and support students in so many ways.”
Furthering the jurisdiction as a community connector and partner has been critical to Bevan’s leadership influence. Innovations in trades education, the development and growth of online learning academies, and targeted community and business partnerships focused on four new schools and four modernizations in the last seven years have aptly showcased the integration of the jurisdiction’s school communities with unique student learning opportunities as well as the aspirations of broader municipal and regional communities throughout the division.
As a result of his hard work and dedication to Golden Hills, Bevan was the recipient of the Alberta Excellence in School System Leadership Award and the Canadian Superintendent of the Year in 2022.
Bevan is highly regarded amongst his peers as a leader and mentor, he is known for his quick wit, engaging storytelling ability, and his sense of humour. Bevan’s presence will be missed throughout the division.
“Bevan will be sorely missed in Golden Hills School Division. Under his leadership, Golden Hills has grown to be one of the most respected school divisions in the province. He has fostered a culture of excellence and innovation, always focused on the best outcomes for our students. By choice, Bevan has been a leader of leaders, actively encouraging administrators and teachers to develop their own leadership skills, thereby strengthening our entire system at every level. A humble man, Bevan will always sincerely credit those around him for the success of Golden Hills, but it must be said that his leadership and guidance will have been instrumental in every success we celebrate today and into the future,” said Golden Hills School Division Board Chair Laurie Huntley. “As a Board, it has been a privilege to work alongside Bevan. There are no words that can adequately express our respect and gratitude for this man. We can only wish him the very best in his retirement.”