Leader staff

Some M.D. of Lesser Slave River councillors came back from a recent Pembina Zone (of the Rural Municipalities Association) meeting with a dismal view of the so-called ‘solar farms.’

“It sterilizes land,” said councillor Brad Pearson. “It’s not a good thing.”

Not only that, said reeve Murray Kerik, the investors in these things are numbered companies (I.e. foreigners), who will walk away, never to be found when it comes time for reclaiming the sites.

Just like orphan wells, said Pearson.

“Worse,” said Kerik.

The Alberta Utilities Commission, in approving these installations, overrides municipal wishes, Kerik pointed out.