Calgary councillor suggests incentives for ATCO solar farm projects

A city councillor wants Calgary to look at offering incentives to ATCO and other companies considering the development of solar farms inside city limits.

ATCO has two solar farms nearing completion in a southeast industrial park. Together, they'll generate 64 megawatts of electricity for Alberta's grid.

The councillor for the area, Evan Spencer, has put forward a motion for an upcoming council meeting that calls for administration to look at supporting the projects.

He said solar farms can help Calgary reduce emissions and meet its climate goals in future years.

"It makes sense for the city to do this on an environmental sustainability basis and just future-proofing the city. These are conversations that need to happen," said Spencer.

LISTEN | Evan Spencer explains his idea for solar farms incentives in southeast Calgary

His motion calls on administration to negotiate with ATCO and bring back options for council to consider by the middle of this year.

He suggested the incentives could come in a variety of forms, including possibly charging a lower property tax rate for a solar farm site.

"Ultimately, I think it's too early to say that the city is ready to give tax incentives at this point," said Spencer.

"Anything that council votes on will come with good solid rationale behind it in terms of why it makes sense for Calgarians to charge a little less on brownfield land."

Not everyone on council is convinced Spencer's idea is a good one.

Coun. Andre Chabot said there's no need for Calgary taxpayers to get involved in this for ATCO or any utility.

"It's ridiculous for us to even consider to support a for-profit organization that has the ability to actually impose fees on us through the Alberta Utilities Commission," said Chabot.

"The whole thing is just so wrong."

Chabot also questioned whether offering this type of financial assistance might allow companies to walk away from their responsibilities for contaminated sites in the future.

The two ATCO solar farms are being set up on contaminated land, previously used by a fertilizer company.

"I don't understand where he's going with this, to be honest with you," said Chabot. "It boggles my mind as to why the City of Calgary, Calgary taxpayers, should somehow be tasked with having to contribute financially."

City council will debate Spencer's motion at its meeting on Feb. 14.