It’s been about one month since construction began on a 40.5-megawatt solar energy project in Strathmore. Capital Power Corporation began construction of its Strathmore Solar project on April 28, 2021.

This project is the company’s first solar project in Canada and it’s located on approximately 320 acres of leased industrial land owned by the Town of Strathmore.

The Strathmore Solar project will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 12,000 Alberta homes while offsetting 46,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

“Southern Alberta is well-positioned as a solar resource-rich area and we’re excited to work with the Town of Strathmore to sustainably develop the Strathmore Solar project. We’re committed to being a neighbour of choice by seeking opportunities to support local economies, giving back to our communities, and ultimately delivering Responsible Energy for Tomorrow,” said Brian Vaasjo, President and CEO of Capital Power.

‘The Town of Strathmore is excited to welcome one of the largest capital investments in our history. The Strathmore Solar project will benefit our community through a high-profile, cutting-edge renewable energy development. A long-term lease on Town land will provide decades of sustainable revenue to support valuable programs and services. I’m proud to welcome Capital Power to our community,” said Strathmore Mayor Pat Fule.

“I commend Capital Power for choosing the Town of Strathmore for its first Canadian solar power project,” said MLA Leela Sharon Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism, and Status of Women, and MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore. “This type of investment is representative of the kind of excitement there is for renewable development in Alberta. Our province continues to experience significant investment growth in market-based renewable energy because our energy-only electricity market provides investors with certainty, creating new jobs for Albertans while lowering overall carbon emissions.”

Approximately 175 workers will be required at peak construction later this summer.

Capital Power’s Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor, Borea Construction, is seeking qualified local workers and contractors for various positions and subcontracts and is hosting a drive-in job fair in partnership with the Town of Strathmore. The event will take place on Sunday, June 13, and Monday, June 14 at the Strathmore Farmer's Market Pavilion with enhanced COVID-19 precautions – interested candidates can sign up online for an event reminder and instructions on how to safely access the event.

It’s expected the project will be operational in early 2022.