AESO, AltaLink and the AEUB have chosen to situate a high-voltage corridor on some of Alberta's most precious and productive land. There are huge implications for hundreds of people and thousands of acres of prime land. The impact of this project will be evident for generations in Alberta's landscape.
The area within the proposed area is highly valued for its visual topography and productive capacities. Hundreds of people live within the corridor and it is in an area highly sought after for its recreational values. The shortest routes are not necessarily in the best interests of preserving the best of Alberta 's landscapes.
We believe high-voltage transmission lines should not be built anywhere near the heart of West Central Alberta. We believe the proposed corridor was selected without proper research or public input. The west central part of Alberta already has the most intense recreational, agricultural and urban development in the province. From intensive livestock operations, to oil and gas wells, pipelines and storage sites, to high end acreage and suburban developments, and yes, even a couple of power corridors, West Central Alberta has more than done its share in contributing to the well being of Alberta. We are now saying enough is enough. Stop; let others share the burden.
Landowners and members of the general public were never given a meaningful chance to have input into selecting the area in Alberta which would be best suited for a transmission corridor. Were Albertans asked if it is a wise use of scarce resources to produce electricity in the north for use in the south, with all the problems which come with very long supply lines? Were they given the chance to ask if the Alberta electrical grid should be connected to the North American electrical grid with all its weaknesses and problems? Were Albertans asked if they wished to see electricity produced by burning coal exported to other jurisdictions? Are Albertans willing to live with the extra pollution and green house gas emissions so electricity may be exported?
West Central Alberta is still an area of unmatchable beauty that should be preserved for future generations. The highest and best use of this land is not as an electrical transmission corridor and its ancillary infrastructure.
We are concerned about protecting our property, our livelihoods and our families. Just as important, we feel an obligation to future generations of Albertans to preserve the remaining natural values of West Central Alberta. We are making our concerns known and hope a better solution can be found for Alberta .
We seek your support in our endeavors to preserve this precious, productive land.
