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Pines power line project leaves many questions

This will effect many of us even if you are not on the existing power line route.I without a doubt and have spoken with several other experienced Realtors who agree this will greatly hurt our property values.

This will effect many of us even if you are not on the existing power line route.

I without a doubt and have spoken with several other experienced Realtors who agree this will greatly hurt our property values.

I am resident and Red Deerian on a unique lot. I have a view of the city, Red Deer River and in a community that strives to keep their homes in tip-top shape.

I am asking fair market value and know that I am going to need to reduce significantly should AltaLink move forward with its power line project in the Pines.

Above the concern of money, as many of these homes are like anyone’s part of their retirement, there is the concern for electromagnetic fields (EMFs). There is solid scientifically proven documentation saying it is dangerous and unhealthy for you but AltaLink has “experts” saying it’s all fine.

At one point we thought asbestos and tobacco were fine and more recently the plastic additive BPA was also considered fine.

If we truly knew EMF was fine for us, why are they making the power line clearances higher? Because there are engineering guidelines for safe distances for exposure.

Why in a rural area will AltaLink go around one residence but here is an opportunity to go around 50 residences in an urban setting and they won’t? Just because they don’t have to and they have an existing right of way.

The city unanimously supports the Pines Group alternate route and is willing to swap land to provide the required right of way.

Why is the Alberta Utilities Commission deciding to say no, there would be too much tree clearing? The difference between the two are minimal. They neglect any reforestation that could be done to narrow the path along the existing route.

When you read the decision from AltaLink, it is clear that AUC did not understand our points, they never toured the route, asked questions and they just took whatever AltaLink said as fact. How can AUC issue permits for construction to AltaLink when they know it is the appeal process?

The process is flawed to say the least!

I was beside myself to see the signs up for clearing the paths many residents in Red Deer use daily and I had no clue they we were moving ahead. Is this a scare tactic?

Karrie-Anne Brewster

Red Deer