Proposed powerlines
Mayor's comments
November 1, 2011
Copyright © Strathcona County 2011
More on the November 1 Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) announcment:
- News release: Strathcona County response to AUC decision on Heartland Transmission Line project
- Alberta Utilities Commission
- news release
- Heartland Transmission Project on the AUC website
Proposed powerlines (Heartland Transmission Project
A proposal has been put forward that could result in major electrical transmission lines running through Strathcona County.
Recent updates
- Council revises motion to fight for Alternate West Route along with line burial
- Budget increase approved to intervene in Heartland Transmission Project hearings
- Petition deadline extended for Heartland Transmission Project
- Strathcona County to intevene on behalf of community in Heartland Transmission Project
Preferred and Alternate Routes identified: January 6, 2010
The Heartland Project Team has selected a preferred and an alternate transmission line route. The preferred route would use the Transportation/Utility Corridor (TUC) on the west side of Sherwood Park.
Learn more about the preferred and alternate routes.
The proposal, known as the Heartland Electrical Transmission Project, could have a significant effect on our community.
Strathcona County does not have the final decision on this project—that is up to a provincial body, the Alberta Utilities Commission.
It is important that we all take part in this process. A combination of involvement from Strathcona County and our residents will help ensure our community's interests are appropriately considered.
How Strathcona County is involved
Strathcona County intends to make a submission to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). The submission will focus on health and environmental concerns. The desired outcome is that the electric transmission lines are constructed underground.
There are four major components associated with preparing this submission to the AUC: identifying and retaining expert witnesses, having expert witnesses prepare evidence, provision of technical oversight and consulting advice, having legal counsel coordinate and present Strathcona County's position.
Strathcona County is reviewing the proposal closely and will provide input on behalf of the community to help ensure our community's interests are well represented. The final decision must find the best balance of technical, environmental and social considerations.
We want to ensure that:
- All available options are carefully considered
- The final decision achieves the best balance of technical, environmental and social considerations.
How you can get involved
Become informed about the project and the proposed routes. Visit the Heartland Electrical Transmission Project's website .
- Make a written submission to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).
- The AUC also has opportunities for public participation. If the AUC deems that you are directly and adversely affected, you will be eligible to participate in a public hearing.
www.auc.ab.ca
HSBC Building
10th Floor, 10055 – 106 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 2Y2
Phone: 780-427-4901
Motions passed by Strathcona County Council
March 3, 2009
WHEREAS the construction of 240 or 500 kilovolt overhead powerlines adjacent to densely populated areas is a source of well documented and growing public health concerns;
AND WHEREAS much of the less inhabited portions of southern Strathcona County are located within the environmentally sensitive Beaver Hills Moraine;
NOW THEREFORE because of population density and the presence of environmentally sensitive areas, Strathcona County shall oppose the construction of any 240 kilovolt or higher voltage transmission line within Strathcona County unless the power transmission lines are constructed underground insofar as it operates in an effective, reliable and safe manner.
June 2, 2009
THAT Council authorize Administration to prepare and make a submission to the Alberta Utilities Commission relative to the Heartland Electrical Transmission Project at an estimated cost of $250,000, to be funded from the Extraordinary Issues Reserve (1.3761).
Last updated: Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Page ID: 2186