Title: Wind Energy Decline in Canada's Pincher Creek

PINCHER CREEK — Once celebrated as a leader in wind energy, Pincher Creek is experiencing a significant shift away from renewable projects. The municipal district, which has long featured a windmill in its corporate logo, is set to remove that symbol. District Reeve Rick Lemire stated, "It’s not us anymore," reflecting the changing landscape of energy production in the area.

Pincher Creek, located near the eastern Rockies, has historically benefited from strong winds that power numerous windmills dotting the farmland. However, recent government policies have led to a downturn in wind energy initiatives. In 2023, Premier Danielle Smith's government imposed a temporary moratorium on renewable energy projects, followed by new regulations restricting developments within a 35-kilometer buffer zone from the Rocky Mountains. These rules aim to protect the scenic views of the Prairie landscape.

Rohit Sandhu, a spokesperson for Alberta’s Department of Affordability and Utilities, noted that while the new regulations are strict, exemptions exist for wind projects already in the buffer zone. The Alberta Utilities Commission can also approve new projects on a case-by-case basis, although they declined to comment further.

Currently, Pincher Creek hosts over 255 turbines that generate nearly 511 megawatts of energy, according to a report commissioned by the town. However, the financial implications of halting renewable energy development are concerning. Lemire pointed out that the district could face lost revenue if companies are unable to upgrade aging wind farms. Approximately 30 percent of the district's budget relies on income from renewable energy, and landowners receive a share of the revenue from each turbine.

Despite the potential financial losses, Lemire believes residents are prepared to accept the changes. "We’re starting to slide," he said regarding the district’s renewable energy revenues. "We’re coming down — we understand that. Administration knows that."

Community sentiment has shifted over the years, with residents expressing dissatisfaction with the appearance of new transmission lines connecting wind turbines to the grid. Lemire suggested that replacing older turbines with fewer, more efficient models could benefit everyone involved.

Wayne Oliver, an intergeneration supervisor at TransAlta Corp. and a town councillor, echoed this sentiment. He noted that repowered wind farms could reduce the number of turbines while maintaining energy output, thus continuing to provide revenue for the district. "The people that live around that Castle River wind farm with 60 turbines, when they hear that six or seven turbines can replace that, they get excited," he said.

Oliver, who has lived in Pincher Creek for over 30 years, remarked on the rapid changes in the community's attitude toward wind energy. "It popped a bubble," he said, referring to the impact of the renewable moratorium. "It just shows you the power of government policy to change the direction of society."

Will Noel, a senior analyst at the Pembina Institute, emphasized the need for stability in the industry. He reported that approximately 11,000 megawatts of renewable energy projects were canceled in 2024. Noel believes that modernization and consolidation could provide a solution, stating, "This is a great middle ground. We’ll get rid of 40 turbines and put up 10 new ones — that’s a quarter of the turbines you have to look at, and you’re getting the same kind of power."

As the district navigates these changes, Lemire acknowledged that while the future of wind energy remains uncertain, the community's focus may shift back to agriculture. "We all agree that windmills are enough. That may change ... it can switch," he said, adding that he is running for re-election this fall. "(But) we’re gonna go back to where we started: agricultural."