BIG CITY, BIG EVENTS, BIG AMENITIES, BIG FUTURE PROGRESS 2019  Page 22


PeakstoPrairiesholdsoutpromiseof region-wideelectricdrivingfreedom


Dave Mabell LETHBRIDGE HERALD


dmabell@lethbridgeherald.com Who wouldn’t enjoy aweekend visit


toWaterton LakesNational Park— without using a drop of gas?Or a quick trip toMedicineHat, at minimal cost? That’s the plan offered by a network


of community groups across southern Alberta. Earlier this year, Peaks to Prairies proponents announced details during an information session at Lethbridge College. Based on grassroots support from


organizations like the SouthGrow Regional Initiative, the project will see 20 fast-charging stations opening across the region in support of electric vehicles. Growing popularity of the battery-


powered cars is largely based on their value for urban transportation—and the ease of recharging at home overnight. But with an expanding network of fast-charge stations opening up, travel within southern Alberta can become stress-free. “Peaks to Prairies reflects the


commitmentwe have in southern Alberta to work collaboratively across the region to support development that is sustainable and forward- thinking,” board chair Brian Reeves of


Herald photo by Ian Martens


A Hyundai representative talks about an electric SUVmodel on display during an event at Lethbridge College.


the Alberta Southwest Regional Alliance said as planswere announced. “Through this projectwe are not


only shining a light on the advancement of renewable energy generated in our region, butwe are ensuring that our communities can benefit fromhis emerging formof


transportation,” he pointed out. One of the first quick-charge


stations will be located in downtown Lethbridge. But others alongHighway 3 will serve travellers in Crowsnest Pass, Pincher Creek, FortMacleod, Taber andMedicineHat. Warner, Cardston andWaterton Lakes will also provide the user-pay


service, along with Carmangay, Claresholm,Nanton and points north. Canmore will also be on the Peaks to Prairies system, aswell as a number of locations in Calgary. Civic officials in Lethbridge, Calgary


andMedicineHat have endorsed the initiative, which is expected to enhance tourism and economic development opportunities—and to demonstrate an innovative approach in communities across the region. The network will be operated by


Atco Energy, which has already installed fast-charge stations along Highway 2 between Calgary and Edmonton. “Lowcarbon transportation and


affordable electric vehicles are becoming a reality,” said Atco presidentMarshallWilmot. “We see it as part of our ongoing


commitment to creating a clean energy future for the communitieswe serve. “It’s just one of the energy-efficient,


innovative and valuable solutions we’re exploring for homes and businesses across Alberta.” Officials said all 20 stations are


scheduled to be open before the end of the year. A Lethbridge location was indentified as the first to be built, but proponents have not released a list of when the public-access locations will be in operation.


Renewable energy industry could have a significant economic impact in the region


Megan McCoy FOR THE HERALD


Amore environmentally-


conscientious Lethbridgewill continue tomove forward. The Lethbridge region


continues tomake strides to reduce its carbon footprint by making green choices such as using solar panels onmunicipal buildings. Southern Alberta is one of the


sunniest parts of the country, which is a strong resource in incorporating solar panels to industrial, residential and


business areas. Trevor Lewington, Chief


ExecutiveOfficer for Economic Development Lethbridge, said that they are seeing green energy being used on both a morewide-scale and large-scale basis. “You’ve seen the promotion


of the idea that energy efficiency is cool and that replacing lightbulbs and adding solar panels has a value beyond just the environmental piece. You can potentially save some money, too,” he said. Lewington added that it is becoming common to see


businesses plan for solar incorporation on their buildings in the city and in the region. The Community Solar


Generation programthat is being offered by the province is looking to put up a solar field near the Stewart Siding Industrial Park alongHighway 4 to supply some existing businesses in that parkwith solar electricity. Lewington expects this to act


as a trial run to test the effectiveness and viability of implementing solar fields in other industrial parks. Solar energy is not the only


formof green energy that is being implemented in the area: awind farmwill be constructed in the County ofWarner and some of its towerswill overlap Lethbridge County. Though Lethbridge County


does not currently have awind farm, it is open to the idea of having one constructed. “It’s not just about deciding to


build awind farmsomewhere,” saidMartin Ebel, Economic DevelopmentOfficerwith Lethbridge County. “There’s a lot of regulations and hoops to jump through and sometimes they don’tmove forward or


plans are created tomove forward down the road.” Ebel said green energy is still


in its infancy in southern Alberta, and the Countywould like to create a supportive environment to assist people in making positive environmental changes. But, he said, the County is not in favour of forcing landowners to go solar, or put upwind turbines. One areawhere both the


County and City agree is that green energy is a greatway to pursue energy self-sufficiency outside of the grid andmarket- driven electricity prices.


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