Pincher Creek, a district in Alberta, home to fierce chinook winds, and of course, windmills. Now, it is undergoing a historic transformation of its renewable energy economy. With over 255 turbines harnessing nearly 511 megawatts of energy, the community has long embraced wind energy as a cornerstone of its economy. Local leaders say this windy romance probably reached its apex long ago.
Rick Lemire, the District Reeve, noted that residents might be willing to sacrifice potential profits as the future of renewable energy becomes uncertain. He pointed to the need for realizing the long-term consequences of stopping renewable development from taking root in the region.
“We all agree that windmills are enough. That may change … it can switch,” said Lemire, who is running for re-election this fall. He highlighted the risk of lost revenue if companies cannot repower their wind farms once existing turbines reach the end of their operational life. Today, about a third of the district’s budget depends on taxable revenues from renewable energy generation.
Wayne Oliver, a long-time resident of Pincher Creek, finds it remarkable how quickly the situation has changed over the years. Like Lemire, he was dismayed at the loss of potential revenues. “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 stated.
A windmill now appears on the municipal district’s logo next to other Alberta icons, representing their commitment to renewable energy. Recent actions have darkened that promise. The regulations that ban renewable energy developments in a 35-kilometre buffer zone from the Rocky Mountains add to the complication. This buffer zone was created originally to protect the beautiful Prairie Pothole viewscapes that define the region.
In 2024 so far, Canada has cancelled nearly 11,000 megawatts of renewable energy projects. This national trend has equally affected Pincher Creek. As alternative energy projects falter, local landowners who collect a percentage of revenue generated by each turbine face uncertainty about their future earnings.
Oliver stated that it was time to move the discussion about renewable energy away from big ag back to traditional agriculture. “We’re gonna go back to where we started: agricultural,” he said, illustrating a potential pivot for the community amid dwindling wind energy prospects.
Despite these challenges, residents of Pincher Creek continue to appreciate the benefits that wind energy has brought to their community over the years. The district’s strategic location, characterized by its consistent wind patterns and picturesque landscapes dominated by towering windmills, remains an attractive feature for both residents and visitors.
