The proposed Halkirk 2 Wind Project would double the size of the existing wind farm near the Village of Halkirk, as Capital Power spent time at the Halkirk Community Hall on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6 to introduce the project to the community.
The existing 150-megawatt wind facility is owned and operated by Capital Power and began operation in December 2012, ahead of schedule and under budget. Now, the company is looking to start another similar project in the area, and as part of the process, invited residents from the area to information sessions to explain the project, answer questions, and gather concerns.
The current wind farm consists of 83 Vestas V-90 turbines, and has provided about 15 jobs in the Halkirk area, along with providing tax income to the County of Paintearth and the Village of Halkirk, as well as lease revenues to landowners.
The Halkirk 2 Wind Project, if approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), will hopefully go online in 2018 – though that would depend on market conditions, government regulations and approval.
Like the first project, Halkirk 2 would be a 150-megawatt wind farm. It would be located north of the existing wind farm already operated by Capital Power, and will be bordered on the north by Battle River and Paintearth Creek on the south. Highways 855 and 861 would border the project on the east and the west, respectively.
Presentations by Capital Power were augmented by representatives from Golder Associates and Access Lands, and the three groups took questions and concerns from the gathered crowds.
A representative from Capital Power said the community involvement and support of the project is partially why the company wishes to continue to grow in the area – though the existing infrastructure and ideal wind patterns is also a part of the decision.
In the evening presentation, on Oct. 5, there was beef on a bun offered for attendees. The next day, in the early session, a breakfast lay of muffins were available for the early birds who made it out to the hall. Students from Theresetta Catholic School in Castor also attended as part of their civic studies class, and expressed concerns about humming from the wind turbines and the affect on wildlife.