Kronos Solar Projects held an open house in Heisler on Tuesday, Nov. 22, a public consultation event for their proposed Solar Photovoltaic Park near Heisler, to some loud opposition from local residents.

Representatives from Kronos, a German company who specializes in construction and operation of solar projects around the world, were Makan Yarandi, Project Manager, and Amanda Barderas, Junior Project Manager.

Flagstaff County Council had an opportunity to meet up with Yarandi and Barderas prior to the public event.

Deputy Reeve Gunnar Albrecht said, “It was a very positive meeting. We are happy that they are coming into our community, into Flagstaff.”

Some residents didn’t appear to share that opinion, however, as questions at the open house ranged from financial consideration from the provincial government for the project, to use of the projected quarter of land.

It was even suggested by some that Kronos look elsewhere to build.

Yarandi says that Kronos has now held four public consultations, for four different projects, in Heisler, Veteran, Coyote Lake, and Rowley.

“Overall, we had a very good turnout, and the meetings were extremely productive and successful.”

He says all four events brought forward a lot of good questions, and, “It allowed us to educate the residents on solar developments and the benefits it presents.”

The project will take up around 50 hectares, and is expected to generate 20 MW.

The project could bring as many as six new jobs to the area during and after construction.

The project is expected to be in place for 25 years once built.

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Leslie Cholowsky
Editor