Stettler County is moving to take part in an Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) hearing regarding a proposed solar project south of Stettler.
While the hearing is planned for mid-June, the matter was before council on April 23 as members reviewed a submission to the AUC for the meeting.
As the regional developmental authority, Stettler County has the right to participate in the hearing, as do adjacent landowners, the applicant, and any other stakeholders who may be affected by the proposed project.
The project's developer, Stettler Solar Inc., filed the project with the AUC in December 2024. With the project before the AUC, that organization then takes feedback from interested parties and decides if it is in the "public interest" to proceed.
Stettler County's submission includes pieces of the county's Municipal Development Plan, Land Use Bylaw, and several concerns it has with the project to make the AUC aware of how the land is currently zoned and the potential impact of the project.
According to Stettler County Director of Planning and Development, Craig Teal, the county is getting involved early to ensure that there is a "clear separation of jurisdiction between the two decision makers."
Under provincial legislation, the AUC is responsible for approving power generation and infrastructure projects, and if they are approved, the county has no choice but to approve the development permits when the projects come seeking them.
However, while AUC approval overrides zoning provisions in the Land Use Bylaw, the county can still enforce construction-related conditions such as setbacks and guidelines.
"The AUC is the lead decision maker on these kinds of projects," said Teal. "We must make the AUC understand our perspective."
According to the county's Municipal Development Plan, agricultural land is a priority and this project will be taking away from that.
Teal noted during his presentation to council that regardless of the AUC decision on the project, it will likely be subject to appeals.
With the document submitted to the AUC before the deadline, county representatives will be able to speak on its contents during the virtual hearing to be held June 16-30.
Coun. Les Stulberg moved to approve submitting the document, with one opposed.
The solar project is proposed for around 190 acres of agricultural land south of Stettler, and will generate 25 MW of power, with a 16 MW battery, when completed.
