PACE Canada LP’s Valhalla solar farm project has been approved for the Town of Viking after an official decision was made by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Friday, Aug. 16.
The power plant will be built on land owned by the Town of Viking within its municipal boundaries.
“The Town of Viking is excited to announce a new project is coming to our community,” said Doug Lefsrud, Viking’s chief executive officer (CAO). “We welcome PACE Valhalla Solar Farm to our community.”
The project had experienced a delay a year ago when the provincial government put a seven month freeze on approvals for renewable energy projects.
However, that was lifted earlier this year and the town has anxiously been awaiting a decision from the AUC since that time.
“Over the past year and a half, we have been working with PACE Canada which proposed a 9-Megawatt solar power project to be located on the east boundary of Viking,” said Lefsrud.
The land is adjacent to the transfer station.and lies further east of the town’s 4.05-Megawatt solar farm already in the area.
The land for the new solar project is zoned commercial/agricultural, and is “adjacent to very low land that, in wet weather, is under water.”
Lefsrud said this makes it “an Ideal location for the PACE project.”
PACE has been holding public consultation sessions over the last year and a half. Viking residents were able to learn about the project and ask questions regarding its location, construction, operations, and lifespan.
Lefsrud explained the reasons for welcoming the project into the community.
“The Town of Viking has been working towards creating more economic diversification in our community by encouraging business concepts like the PACE solar farm to come here,” he said.
“This new project will bring a welcome economic boost to our community as we have a low commercial tax base, like other small communities in our region, who rely on their residential tax base heavily,” due to the lack of industry.
Now that the AUC approvals have come through, Lefsrud said the construction phase will begin in the spring of next year. The facility is expected to be operational by the fall of 2025 or in the spring of 2026.
In its decision summary, the AUC stated the project’s land area would consist of wetland, tame pasture and cultivated lands. The power plant would be located in the northwest quarter of Section 31, Township 47 Range 12, west of the Fourth Meridian. The project would connect to the FortisAlberta Inc. electric distribution system via the Yarrow 252S Substation.
PACE is quoted by the AUC as having an estimated five-month construction duration with a proposed in-service (operational) date of April 30, 2025.
The AUC decision summary also stated that only one person, Jason Ritchie, requested to participate in the AUC hearings. “The commission denied standing to J. Ritchie,” said the summary, and denied a subsequent appeal of the ruling noting no new information had been brought forward for the commission to consider reversing its decision.
At the Viking Council meeting Monday, Aug. 18, Mayor Jamie Buttner called the decision “pretty cool,” noting the advantage of having a larger industrial tax base.
Councillor Judy Acres inquired about possible employment for local people. CAO Lefsrud said there would be a “sizable crew” coming into town for the construction phase who would be adding to the town’s economy.
After the power plant is built, maintenance staff would likely be necessary long-term, he said, without providing any numbers.
He called the project “a fantastic opportunity,” and believed Viking would be “recognized for thinking outside the box.”
PACE would have a lease for the 80 acres being used “for the duration of 30 years,” he said. Plus, the town would benefit from a new tax base.
“PACE is a reputable company,” and “has stood up and addressed all concerns.”The company would also be able to help “wave the flag for our town,” by working with the community over the long-term, he said.
Patricia Harcourt
Staff Reporter