To the Municipal District of Greenview No. 16 Council:

We, the undersigned residents of the Municipal District of Greenview No 16, hereby petition your esteemed Council to strengthen existing land use bylaws to prevent the widespread development of alternative energy projects (such as solar farms and wind turbines) on private, agricultural land within our communities. While we acknowledge the importance of renewable energy, we believe that its placement on prime agricultural land poses significant and unacceptable risks and negative impacts to our environment, economy, and quality of life.

Our concerns include, but are not limited to, the following critical issues:

• Loss of Irreplaceable Agricultural Land: Agricultural land is a finite and vital resource essential for food production and the economic stability of our rural communities. Converting productive farmland into industrial energy sites permanently removes it from agricultural use, threatening food security and the livelihood of farmers.
• Decreased Land Value for Neighboring Properties: The proximity of large-scale industrial energy developments, such as extensive solar arrays or towering wind turbines, significantly diminishes the market value of adjacent and nearby residential and agricultural properties. This devaluation impacts property owners' equity and long-term financial stability.
• Diminished Habitat for Wildlife: Large-scale energy projects disrupt and fragment natural habitats, leading to a significant reduction in biodiversity and the displacement of local wildlife populations. The installation of vast structures and associated infrastructure can interrupt migratory paths and destroy critical breeding and feeding grounds.
• Risk of Fire: Industrial solar installations, particularly large-scale arrays, present a considerable risk of electrical fires. These fires can be challenging to extinguish, especially in rural areas with limited water access, posing a severe threat to surrounding crops, natural areas, and residential properties, particularly during dry seasons.
• Potential Soil and Well Water Contamination: The components of solar panels, particularly older or damaged units, can contain hazardous materials (e.g., lead, cadmium). In the event of damage, fire, or leakage, there is a serious risk of these contaminants leaching into the soil and subsequently polluting local well water sources, posing a direct threat to human health, livestock, and ecosystems.
• Noise Pollution: Wind turbines generate continuous low-frequency noise and infrasound, which can be a significant source of disturbance and stress for nearby residents. Additionally, large-scale solar arrays produce sound from their inverters, contributing to the overall noise burden. This constant noise pollution can lead to sleep disruption, anxiety, and a reduced quality of life.
• Loss of Viewscape and Rural Character: The installation of large-scale industrial energy infrastructure fundamentally alters the aesthetic appeal and rural character of our landscapes. This visual intrusion diminishes the scenic beauty that defines our agricultural regions and impacts the tranquility and recreational value of the area.

For these reasons, we urge you, the Municipal District of Greenview No. 16 Council, to strengthen land use policies and bylaws that prevent the development of alternate energy projects on prime private, agricultural land. We request that future energy development be directed towards brownfield sites, industrial zones, or other non-agricultural areas to protect our valuable farmland, preserve our environment, and safeguard the well-being of our communities.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned Concerned Citizens