Re: Diversion of H80 high-voltage power line bordering West Park Estates.
AltaLink recommends that the H80 high-voltage power line be diverted from the present lines in place in the Cronquist/ Warwick area. This will result in an area to be cleared and many mature spruce trees to be removed. In addition, there will be at least two additional new towers erected, obviously displayed within a residential area.
AltaLink made this recommendation since it does not want the current line to continue to cross the existing permanent structures that were constructed under the power lines. This is the reason for the diversion from the present main line.
Building permanent structures under high-voltage power lines would seem to fly in the face of a probable easement and right of way that should be registered on the title as a caveat. This would have been apparent to the buyer of the property in the title documents at the time of purchase some 15 to 25 years ago.
Because of this, a large part of the natural environment around us will need to be destroyed; numerous neighbours will be negatively affected, as well as the Trans Canada Trail used by many daily.
We moved here 13 years ago, because of the beautiful natural surroundings within West Park Estates. That won’t be the case anymore, because a property owner had constructed permanent structures that not only infringe on a right of way, but they were built directly under the high power voltage power lines.
I thought you were not allowed to construct permanent structures under high voltage power lines. AltaLink has an obligation to either have the current owner remove the structure(s) or purchase the property and remove the structures themselves or at the very least raise the power lines and continue on the existing route.
Why should we, the neighbours, have to deal with unsightly lines and newly erected towers next to our homes that will negatively affect our quality of life and property values? In addition, as a consequence there will be destruction of numerous mature spruce trees and shrubs that greatly enhanced the local environment.
Why are there not any consequences for the obvious disregard and infringement of an easement and right of way? Will this set a precedent to build under an existing high voltage power line?
Should the new mayor and city councillors be concerned about this? I think so, and so should the citizens of Red Deer.
Matt Schoonderwoerd
Red Deer