AltaLink provided an update to council regarding the Chapel Rock to Pincher Creek Area Transmission Development project.

This update provided council a recap of what has been discussed so far and then also provided council an opportunity to ask questions about the project.

Currently, there are two proposed technical solutions for this project.

One is the North Technical Solution and the other is the South Technical Solution.

If the project is approved only one of the technical solutions will be built.

The Crowsnest Pass would be affected if the South Technical Solution were to be chosen for the project.

Amanda Sadleir, Senior Communications Advisor for AltaLink says if the South Technical Solution would be built, AltaLink would be replacing existing power lines.

“The route for the South Technical Solution uses existing transmission line right-of-way by replacing the existing 412L transmission line and a portion of the existing 170L transmission line.”

Sadleir says currently AltaLink is still in talks with stakeholders.

“We are currently consulting with stakeholders to gather feedback on all of the proposed options to help us determine what we will include in our application for the project.”

The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) will then review the application in a process that stakeholders can participate in and will make a decision about the project, including routing details.

Sadleir says there is no timeframe for the AUC’s decision.

“The timeline for the AUC’s decision is not confirmed, but it could be before the end of 2021.”

A potential completion date for the project if approved is 2023 at the earliest.

Councillor Sygutek asked a question regarding a potential linear assessment the Crowsnest Pass could be a part of if the project is approved and the South Technical Solution is chosen.

Vice President of External Engagement for Alta Link, Scott Schreiner, says that information won’t be available until after the application is put in.

“At this point, we don’t have an estimate for what the linear assessment would be for the portion of the Chapel Rock to Pincher Creek project that would potentially be located in the Crowsnest Pass. That type of information likely won’t be available until we file our Facility Application.”
The current timeline for the final application of the project is expected by the end of 2020.

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