Home »
MLA Clovechok remains opposed to solar farm application
Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Doug Clovechok remains opposed to a proposed solar farm (Sun Valley Solar), currently in application before the B.C. Government.
The proposed solar farm would be situated on 4,470.3 hectares (11,041.6 ha) of Crown land located on Sheep Creek Flats, Skookumchuck Prairie, Woods’ Corner/LD Ranch Road and near Elko to build a utility-scale solar farm (see polygons in red on maps).
The public comment period on the application closed Dec. 3.
“I have heard from hundreds of folks from Columbia River-Revelstoke and beyond who oppose the proposal for a solar farm on fragile grassland habitat in the Rocky Mountain Trench,” MLA Clovechok stated on social media today.
“The message is loud and clear and I simply cannot support such a project. Thank you to all who took the time to comment online prior to the December 3 deadline.
“This week I met with two principals at Enterprise Renewables and let them know that there is strong opposition from citizens and stakeholder groups.
“While the proponents stated that the completed footprint will come in at less than 100 hectares, they did not indicate that they had explored alternative areas that will have less impact on habitat and SAR listed species,” Clovechok pointed out.
“Many people have said that while they support solar projects, we simply cannot sacrifice valuable habitat.
“I suggested to Enterprise Renewables that they reach out to Teck Coal to determine if there is a possibility for them to partner and further develop the existing brownfield area at the Kimberley SunMine. In my mind this would be a win,” he said.
“While this project is in very early investigative stages I will continue to monitor it closely and ensure that your voices are heard.”
Read the solar farm application details.
Ian Cobb/e-KNOW
