Less than a year after forming with the mission of stopping Alberta PowerLine’s proposed Fort McMurray West 500-kV Transmission project from going through Westlock County, the group known as the East Route Landowners Opposition Group is breathing a small sigh of relief that their battle appears to have been won.
The final hurdle in the challenge has not yet been cleared as Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), the regulating agency that will ultimately decide which route is selected, is preparing for its spring hearings, which will determine the route.
Even though Alberta PowerLine, the company behind the $1.49 billion project has indicated its prefers the west route that cuts through the County of Barrhead, there’s still the chance the east route could be chosen.
It’s unlikely, but still a possibility and ERLOG is not bowing down.
The group plans to attend AUC’s Jan. 27 meeting at the Westlock and District Community Hall to maintain a presence and keep the fight alive.
While the meeting is only an education session on the hearing process and not as a time to voice concern, the group still sees it as an opportunity to maintain a presence.
Kudos to them for doing it. They don’t need to be there since they’re as prepared as anyone for the June hearing, thanks to experienced legal counsel.
It’s no fluke if ERLOG wins their battle; the group has been persistent and will continue to fire at all cylinders until a final decision has been passed.
They’ve done their research and hired the best legal counsel they could have probably gotten. They’ve educated themselves, and they’ve been heard.
And it’s not as if they’ve gone uncontested as a group has also banded together to pretest the west route, but hasn’t made the same impact as ERLOG.
Posting signs throughout Westlock County has also kept dialogue going, not only amongst members, but for those on the outside wanting to learn more.
They’ve gained lots of support from people that don’t even have a dog in the fight.
Why? Because it’s a relatable experience and people can empathize with what it might be like to be presented with the opportunity of a power line running through your property whether you like it or not. Power to the people.
