By Alex McCuaig

Brooks Solar

Hearings on Brooks solar project set to begin on Tuesday

Dec 2, 2019 | 4:54 PM

Brooks, AB – Proponents of the Brooks Solar facility want to triple the capacity of the project but they’ll need to get through a four-day public hearing set to begin on Tuesday first.

Elemental Energy’s 17 MW Brooks Solar 1 came online in 2017, producing enough power annually to power an estimated 3,000 homes.

This week’s hearings will be focused on Brooks Solar 2 which will expand the initial project by 26.5 MW.

Opponents of the project say the privately-funded facility will have a negative effect on area property values as well as fears the glare from the panels may have adverse effects.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

2h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

But for one resident who lives in middle of the energy project, it’s not much different than the gas wells and pump jacks that dot the area along the Trans-Canada Highway.

“It does take lots of room spacewise but I don’t know, with a well, they fence it out and it takes lots of room too,” said Karen Lemieux while holding her son Hunter. “Give it a chance.”

Public hearings by the Alberta Utility Commission will take place at the Heritage Inn in Brooks starting at 10 a.m.