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Regional board considers East Hill solar farm
By Ian Cobb/e-KNOW
The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors this morning unanimously approved the first two readings of a bylaw that could open the door to the establishment of a solar energy facility in the East Hill area.
The board passed the first two readings of amendment Bylaw No. 2689, which is passed will amend the text of the RDEK’s RR-60, Rural Resource Zone to permit a solar energy facility on the RR-60 zoned portion of the property. The proposed amending bylaw also adds a definition for the term ‘Solar Energy Facility.’
If the proposed amending bylaw is approved, it will permit a utility scale solar energy facility, an RDEK staff report notes.
“The proposed addition of a solar energy facility to the permitted uses for this zone and for this property is supported. However, the application lacks information related to the siting, size, scale and potential impacts of such a development. Additional detail about the specific size and location of such a development may be desirable before proceeding to public hearing,” the staff report outlined.
“At the time of application for a land use designation amendment, the identification and establishment of buffers adjacent to the Cranbrook Community Forest boundaries and the protection of overlapping recreational opportunities is encouraged,” the report continued. “The integration of energy efficient and renewable energy infrastructure and utilities into existing and new development is strongly encouraged.
“This plan recognizes the potential for all or portions of the lands located in the Cranbrook East subarea to be incorporated into the City of Cranbrook. This is a plausible direction for future urban expansion.”
The land in question, owned by 608534 BC Ltd., with Ross Priest serving as the agent, is 6,656 acres, though the potential solar farm would only cover a portion of it.
“The applicants say they don’t have a specific project in mind but that the nature of any solar development project is unobtrusive and environmentally safe. They state that viewscapes will not be impacted and there will be no impact to the southeast portion of the property, which is designated as watershed and grizzly bear habitat,” the regional report stated.
“The property is currently landlocked; however, the applicant states that a Crown land application for road access will be prepared if development is proposed in the future. Much of the undeveloped subject property is used for grazing by an adjacent farm operation. The applicant states that this use is not expected to change,” the RDEK staff report noted.
The report also points out that the Electoral Area C Advisory Planning Committee supports the proposal.
None of the referral agencies approached by the RDEK for comments expressed opposition or concerns, including the City of Cranbrook.
The Interior Health Authority stated it supports the idea. “Solar energy is sustainable and does not contribute to global warming by emitting greenhouse gasses,” it said.
Area C Director and Board Chair Rob Gay told the board the inclusion of ‘Solar Energy Facility’ to the RR-60 Zone is only a one-time deal.
“This is basically a one-off. We’re not saying this will be allowed any where else in the Rockyview” (Official Community Plan) area, Gay said.
Electoral Area G Director Gerry Wilkie said he likes the sound of the proposal, which could be similar to the SunMine in Kimberley.
“It’s a great concept; very conceptual,” he said, adding he hopes the proponents have “a significant package” of information available at the upcoming public hearing.
A public hearing on Bylaw No. 2689 will be held on Tuesday, April 26 at 7 p.m. in the RDEK board room in Cranbrook.
