Richard Froese
South Peace News
Big Lakes County has proposed a special corridor to develop energy projects within the southeast corner of its land base.
At its regular meeting Feb. 26, council approved a motion to direct the economic development committee to work with administration to develop terms of reference for a Swan Hills energy corridor area structure plan project.
Council plans to open the area to energy development in the area surrounding the Swan Hills Hazardous Waste Treatment Centre that is scheduled to close in 2026.
“We want to promote industrial growth in our area,” Reeve Tyler Airth says.
“What do we want to do with the waste treatment plant and the area around there?”
Engaging a professional in land-use planning and engineering requires a request for proposal through the Alberta Purchasing Connection procurement website, says Pat Olansky, director of community services and planning.
An area structure plan is estimated to cost from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on the size and complexity of the area, the level of detail and any other specific requirements, Olansky says.
Council passed a motion at its regular meeting Dec. 11 to direct administration to research a potential energy corridor in the Swan Hills area.
“Administration’s research has found no examples of an energy corridor within a municipality as envisioned by council,” Olansky says.
“However, a similar concept would be a development corridor, which is a geographical area identified as a priority for investment to spur economic growth and development.”
Therefore, more information on council’s vision for an energy corridor development would be beneficial to the process, she notes.
“Once council has outlined its vision and objectives, administration recommends the terms of reference be developed for an area structure plan,” Olansky says.
At a minimum, administration would require a variety of information from council, including proposed land uses, phasing and pattern of development, proposed infrastructure servicing, transportation corridors, and mapping of the parcels of land to be included.
“If this project proceeds, it is noted that because the proposed plan area being entirely on Crown land, the stakeholder engagement process becomes more complex,” Olansky says.
“Once a consultant is selected, it is recommended that a stakeholder working group be formed consisting of the county, industry representatives, First Nations, Metis Settlements and utility providers.”
She notes that an advisory committee, including the county and various ministries of the Government of Alberta, should also be formed to provide information and advice and guidance to the project team.
Big Lakes reviews and updates a briefing document on the future of the treatment plant that council uses to lobby the ministry of infrastructure.