PACE to launch more consultations for Caroline solar project in new year
A solar project near Caroline is moving into its second round of community consultations in the new year.
In a press release Wednesday, PACE Canada said they mailed out info packages to all occupants within 800 metres of the project boundary lines.
“Multiple outreach strategies are made to personally consult with all stakeholders within 400 meters of the Project as well as the community at-large,” said Claude Mindorff, Director of Development for PACE Canada.
In the release, PACE tried to address some potential concerns about the project, including safety and view scape.
“The company plans on installing a six-foot chain link face to ensure no one enters the area. The fence also serves to keep the owners grazing sheep in and other large mammals out,” they said.
“As for viewscape, PACE Is conducting extensive viewshed modeling and will produce simulations for stakeholders to review. If viewshed continues to present as a concern to the community, trees or hedgerows can be planted in areas where sight lines have been identified as a concern.”
According to the release, If the solar project proceeds, the Caroline community will see significant contributions to its tax base, between $250,000 and $300,000 per year, which could potentially support multiple community-based projects.
The next information and consultation session takes place Jan. 7, 1:00-3:00 pm at the Caroline Hub, 5103 48th Avenue, Caroline.