Re: AltaLink power line route through Pines neighbourhood
It’s been smoke and mirrors from the start. AltaLink never had any intention to do anything other than what they wanted from the very beginning of the power line upgrade project through the Pines subdivision.
Yet AltaLink spokesman Peter Brodsky states, “We feel we did right by the Pines residents in terms of addressing their concerns.” (Red Deer Advocate, Sept. 17)
The Pines residents group proposal to move the power lines to a less intrusive location, taking every residence out of the way, was never given any consideration.
Over 90 per cent of the affected residents were contacted and signed a petition supporting the alternate route with support unanimously endorsed by the City of Red Deer.
AltaLink clearly dismissed this proposal, since during their portion of formal review by the Alberta Utilities Commission board they didn’t even mention the residents’ proposal of an alternate route.
AltaLink wanted their higher, uglier, increased voltage towers to go through the existing right of way and that was that. Without listening or caring about residents concerns, the AUC has approved the project.
An application for review has been filed by the Pines group to the AUC and AltaLink is aware of this.
Instead of respecting the process when an appeal has been submitted, AltaLink responded on the same day as the application was filed by erecting signs in the neighbourhood announcing “power line construction” and marking their chosen path with spray paint and taping trees they intend to remove.
How is this “doing right by the Pines residents,” Mr. Brodsky?
Arlene and Randy Hjertaas
Red Deer