The Town of Hanna and the Special Areas Board, along with project partners ATCO Ltd. and Greengate Power, have successfully attracted $10 million in funding from Emissions Reduction Alberta for the proposed Hanna Solar Project.
    Developed as a private/public joint venture, the project - a 120MW, $162 million solar generation project – is planned to be sited on previously mined lands near Hanna. Hanna has a long history working in the Alberta power industry; this project would continue this tradition while positioning Hanna in a leading role as the industry continues to shift towards renewable energy.
    “This funding from Emissions Reduction Alberta is a great starting point for the Hanna Solar Project, and really helps us get it moving,” said Hanna Mayor Chris Warwick. “While the $10 million investment is significant, this project is going to need more funding and support from government. We are continuing to work with the federal and provincial governments, as well as private enterprise, to find ways to fund the Hanna Solar Project. Our work as a coal impacted community will continue as we explore options and create projects - like the Hanna Solar Project - to help make sure our citizens, businesses, and communities are not left behind.”
    The Hanna Solar Project, once constructed, is expected to provide a reliable revenue stream for project partners throughout the life of the project. This revenue will allow the Town of Hanna and the Special Areas Board to create the Hanna Community Coal Transition Fund, a locally-managed fund designed to directly support local economic development initiatives.
    This fund is one of the tools being developed to help local businesses and communities respond to some of the negative impacts resulting from the province’s transition away from coal. Once operational, the Hanna Community Coal Transition Fund will focus on developing sustainable, long-term, and local economic initiatives.
    The Town of Hanna and the Special Areas Board, together with Cactus Corridor Economic Development Corp., formed the Hanna Climate Change Strategy Taskforce in 2015. The taskforce was formed to investigate the impacts of the planned phase-out of coal to this region and to develop some strategic options to address those impacts. A renewable energy project with a municipal ownership stake has been in development since 2017, primarily to support the creation of the Hanna Community Coal Transition Fund.
    The Hanna Solar Project partners are continuing to focus on developing this project, working with the federal and provincial governments to secure green infrastructure and additional grant funding.

    At their annual Charity Auction on March 8, the Hand Hills Lake Club shared their $18,750 contribution towards the Delia School Enhancement Society (DSES) Make Your Mark capital fundraising campaign.
    The contribution, which will be recognized in the new facility with a classroom named after the Club, was the culmination of many events the Hand Hills Lake Club has hosted including their Turkey Supper, Ranchers Ball, Valentines Dinner, and the Charity Auction.
    “It was a great night for family, friends and the DSES. Anyone who was at the Charity Auction should be really proud, we raised $5000 from the night alone,” stated a release by the Hand Hills Lake Club. “Ground drifting and less than ideal highway conditions can’t stop the Hand Hills! The chairs were full, lots of laughter, some awesome auction items, some good old-fashioned bidding, and a very successful evening. To those that donated, you are the best – we couldn’t do it without you.”
    DSES is continuing to build on 2018’s success with The Boots & Bow Ties Gala happening on April 6 at the Delia Community Hall. It will feature the Elton Lammie Band and home-grown talent care of the Suit Jacket Society.
    “We are hoping to raise around $30,000 with this event, with all proceeds going towards the Make Your Mark campaign for the new Community Hub.,” said Robyn Lake, of DSES
    DSES has been hard at work securing fantastic auction items, with both a silent and live auction planned. The live auction of Sir Loin – the Black Angus calf donated by the Eleanor Rosin family and Shiloh Cattle Company – is planned as the night’s main event. With incredible support from business and community members throughout the region, the Gala team has put together a smorgasbord of options for gala attendees to bid on.
    To see the latest news and to find out more about the Boots & Bow Ties Gala – including how to secure your spot for the night - check out the DSES Facebook, Instagram or head to www.DSES.ca.