By Kevin J. Sabo
For the Advance
The Central East Transfer-out (CETO) Transmission development proposed to carry energy produced in Paintearth County to a substation south of Red Deer continues to meet resistance in the community.
The County of Paintearth has received four letters speaking out against the project, citing fire safety concerns and the added disruption to the “natural beauty” of the region, beauty that has already been impacted by the Halkirk 1 Wind Power Project, it’s been noted.
Of notable concern for the proposed CETO project is that one possible route would have the project cross the lane entering Circle Square Ranch and some surrounding areas that have been used by the ranch for horseback riding since 1978.
“This transmission line would cross right through all of this and make it very unsightly for any of our riders,” wrote Bernie Doan, a neighbour and supporter of the ranch, in his July 9th letter to council.
“The authentic, natural setting that has been enjoyed by all of the thousands of guests would definitely be extremely disrupted.”
In a previous July 5th letter to council, he stated that, “The towers that are already present are horrible for the natural landscape that hasn’t been protected as is stated in the County of Paintearth’s Municipal Development Plan.
“To encourage more in this area by bringing the transmission line through here is a terrible idea.”
Previously, the County has heard from Donna and Gerard Fetaz speaking out against the project citing concerns of inadequate access for fire fighters along the proposed route, particularly in the Paintearth Valley.
“Eleven homes are at risk in the Paintearth Valley,” said Gerard Fetaz during the June 18th meeting.
“The fire department protocol is to let the fire burn. We would like the County to require ATCO to place substations where the fires can be fought.”
His wife Donna echoed his statement.
“They said they will sit up top and not risk their lives.”
Castor Fire Chief Patrick Kelly disagrees with this statement.
“We look after personal safety first,” said Kelly.
“We will protect personal property second. If it’s unsafe we will move to where we can fight it.”
The County of Paintearth has not released a position on this proposed project as they are still waiting for information from ATCO, the owners of the proposed development, and will release a statement at a later date.
Other highlights of the July 16th meeting of council;
• The Town of Castor has requested a donation of 220 yards of gravel to maintain the roads in the Castor cemetery, along with the hauling of the gravel. Council has approved the donation of the gravel, but not the hauling of it to the location.
• Council has approved funding requests of $500 to the U14 Coronation Steelers and the U15 Coronation Royals ball teams to host provincials.
• Coronation & District Seniors Housing Society has submitted a request to council re-affirming the Oct. 25th, 2018 motion to commit to working together to enhance and expand social/affordable housing and care in the Paintearth region, as per the memorandum of Agreement.
Council approved the request.
@mweberRDExpress
editor@stettlerindependent.com.com
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