Longstanding wind farm approved to move two towers now considered in violation of ‘view scape’

By Medicine Hat News on April 29, 2025.

Two towers that were nixed in a wind farm approval south of Medicine Hat last summer can be built slightly north, out of the direct front-door view of a country church.

Construction on the remainder of the 38-turbine Wildrose Windfarm proceeded last fall while the developer, Capstone Infrastructure, reapplied to relocate two towers that were originally 550 and 750 metres from the Little Plume Evangelical Ministry Church.

Last week, the Alberta Utilities Commission approved a new site plan, placing the two towers at least 1,000 metres, or 1 kilometre, from the church, located 13 km south of Dunmore on Eagle Butte Road.

One intervenor in the matter removed their objection in early March.

Wildrose was one of the first wind-power proposals in southeast Alberta when it was announced in 2007. New owner, Capstone, renewed the application but was delayed in 2023 while the province developed its “view scapes” policy.

A panel found the facility did not detract from view of the Cypress Hills, located a further 12 km southeast.

This month, the AUC also approved a request to extend the commissioning deadline for the power facility from the end of 2025 to June 30, 2026.

Power from the facility is contracted to Pembina Pipelines and the City of Edmonton.