AltaLink is hosting an open house to discuss the Airdrie Area Transmission Reinforcement Project, July 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, located at 64 East Lake Avenue.
Plans include a new 240/138 kilovolt substation and a 131-foot high communications tower east of Airdrie and approximately 12 kilometres of 138 kilovolt transmission lines.
“We are hosting an open house to get stakeholders’ input and answer any questions and concerns to help us identify the lowest overall impact route and substation site,” said Lisa Peters, communications advisor for AltaLink.
AltaLink representatives along with environmental and electric and magnetic field experts will be on hand.
Affected residents can also book an appointment to meet with AltaLink representatives later, said Peters.
“Three potential transmission routes have been identified based on mapping and initial fieldwork for the project,” she said.
“We are hoping to narrow those down and identify the least impactful route.”
Two potential sites for the substation have been chosen, both east of Airdrie close to Highway 791.
According to the landowner package, AltaLink considers several factors, such as agricultural, residential, environmental, cost and visual, when identifying route options.
Construction is slated to begin next spring and be completed in the fall of 2011.
“AltaLink has been assigned by the Alberta Electrical System Operator to meet the demand for electricity in the area,” said Peters. “Like everywhere else in the province, Airdrie has grown substantially, we want to respond to that growth and ensure reliable electrical service to the area.”
