To the residents of Ward 6 - Update on Transmission Line Routes.

By now, some residents of Ward Six will have received information packages from the Heartland Transmission Projects regarding the selection of the preferred (East TUC)  and alternate routes (West) for the 500kv double circuit energy towers.

Clr. Sohi and I have forwarded a letter to  EPCOR/AltaLink and the Alberta Utilities Commission to express our disappointment with this decision.

We are at a loss to understand why a route that impacts more residents was selected as a preferred route.  The East TUC route impacts 4,656 residents within 800m of the edge of the right-of-way.  The West route impacts 302 residents. The preferred route also passed through a mjaor urban centre and will have a negative visual impact on the aesthestics of the community. 

On August 24, 2009, Mayor Stephen Mandel sent a letter to Premier Stelmach indicating Council's concern and stating a preference that high voltage power tranmission lines of this magnitude within the City of Edmonton be installed underground; particularly in proximity residential areas.

On September 2, 2009, Edmonton City Council passed a motion that directed the Mayor to send a letter to EPCOR/AltaLink indicating Council's opposition to the construction of 500kv or higher voltage lines within the City of Edmonton unless the power transmission lines are buried.  The stakeholder requrested underground option will be included in the application to the Alberta Utlities Commission in the spring. 

Heartland Transmission Project has been an ongoing concern for our constituents and we will continue to advocate on their behalf in order to find a satisifactory solution to the matter.

Dave

It has been my honour to serve and advocate for Ward 6 residents on Edmonton City Council since October of 1998.

Ward Six is one of the fastest growing areas in the city and is called home by those Edmontonians who value diversity and want to work together to create supportive, friendly and safe communities.

Please look through my website and feel free to contact my office with any insights or areas of concern.

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