Heartland Tranmission Line
Published March 19, 2010
The Powerline scenario is still utmost in my mind and I hope in everyone’s mind right now. I know it will affect all Strathcona County residents but especially those who are adjacent to the Transportation Utility Corridor (TUC) - the green corridor between Strathcona County (Sherwood Park) and Edmonton. While I have written about this subject a number of times, I believe it is imperative that all our residents are up to date on what is happening and our options.
The preferred route for this 500Kv powerline of course has been announced as using the TUC and as such, I believe will affect our residents, both health-wise and monetarily. I also believe we must continue to try and influence whatever final decision will be made as the process is now in the hands of the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). The AUC will shortly be holding hearings to determine if the preferred route is the most feasible and logical route and just how it should be built. I am also still of the belief that we should never forget that our provincial elected representatives are the final decision makers in this province and as such, can make adjustments to any decision made by their appointed representatives, the AUC Board. We, as the citizens who elected our representatives must ensure they are accountable for any decision made by their appointees.
Strathcona County has a position that they will intervene at the AUC hearings but I believe it is important that we as individuals, whenever possible, make our viewpoints known to the Board at these hearings. The AUC is in the process of indicating how this process will work. They are holding meetings in different locations to inform us of the process. I know my column will be printed after the meeting held in Sherwood Park but there are others being held in different locations that you can attend or if you cannot do this, please talk to me and I will let you know how you can proceed. I will have attended the one in Sherwood Park.
There is also a citizens group called RETA (Responsible Electrical Transmission for Albertans) centered in Sherwood Park whom we are in constant contact with and who have been working diligently to influence any decision .They have done considerable research on the impacts of this decision and anyone who has not as yet done so should consider joining their group. They can be contacted at www.retasite.wordpress.com/.
From the beginning, I have questioned the need for this massive (20 story) powerline but the province has made the decision that it is needed. My next scenario is that if it proceeds, the portion that is adjacent to any population density must be located underground for a number of reasons. A new study just released indicates that this underground scenario is feasible at a very minimal cost. If we accomplish nothing else we must convince the AUC that this underground scenario is the only decision that will benefit everyone involved in this massive project.
I am working, and will continue to work for the safety and well being of all our residents. If you need my assistance on any matters please call me and I will be pleased to help if I can.
Vic Bidzinski
Councillor, Ward 1
780-464-8005
bidzinski@strathcona.ab.ca.
Last updated: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Page ID: 5257