After years in the making, the Fox Coulee Solar project officially flipped the switch officially marking the completion of the project.
The 93 MWp solar project north of Drumheller near the airport, has the potential to generate nearly 100 GWh of green electricity per year, equivalent to the consumption of more than 20,000 homes. While it has been producing since December of last year, it has been progressively increasing its output and commissioning is scheduled in the coming weeks.
“The Fox Coulee solar farm represents a major milestone in our efforts to expand renewable energy in Canada,” said Ryan Dick, Neoen's Province Leader in Alberta of the approximately $130 million project. “This first asset exemplifies our commitment to conduct best-in-class project development work that prioritizes stakeholder engagement and environmental protection and to provide high-quality, sustainable energy solutions that will significantly contribute to both the province's and the country's carbon neutrality. We have high ambitions in Alberta and are currently developing many other solar, wind and battery projects to accelerate the energy transition.”
Reeve of Starland County, Steve Wannstrom, along with Neoen CEO Xavier Barbaro were on hand to cut the ribbon for the opening. The solar farm is 100% owned by Neoen, and when fully operational will avoid around 70,000 tons of CO2 per year.
“Pride is important at Neoen and we are proud of what we do, what we have developed, proud of the relationships we have built because those relationships will be the key to future success,” said Barbaro. “I thank you for your trust, I know it is not always easy to trust a newcomer in the region. We were a newcomer in Canada but I think what we have done with you is evidence that it is a good choice to trust Neoen.”
Neoen was founded in 2008 and is built on being an independent producer of exclusively renewable energy. This was its first major Canadian project and it is developing more. It intends to sell a significant part of the electricity generated, together with the environmental benefits, via power purchase agreements. The remainder will be sold on Alberta's deregulated electricity market. The farm will contribute to the target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 set by the Province of Alberta and the federal government.
The site even has a little bit of local flavour. In accordance with its Sustainability Framework, local artist Frank Hatfield of Dinosaur Valley Studios created a model of an Albertosaurus, at the entrance of the photovoltaic plant.
Neoen was founded in 2008 and is built on being an independent producer of exclusively renewable energy. This was its first major Canadian project and it is developing more. It intends to sell a significant part of the electricity generated, together with the environmental benefits, via power purchase agreements. The remainder will be sold on Alberta’s deregulated electricity market. The farm will contribute to the target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 set by the Province of Alberta and the federal government.
The site even has a little bit of local flavour. In accordance with its Sustainability Framework, local artist Frank Hatfield of Dinosaur Valley Studios created a model of an Albertosaurus at the entrance of the photovoltaic plant.

Not everyone, but most property owners in the Village of Hussar have seen a reduction in their property taxes this year, according to Mayor Les Schultz.
The Mill Rate for the Property Tax Bylaw, that was passed by Council, has dropped by almost a full point from last year’s 12.45%.
The total Mill Rate for this year is 12.384% and the total value of all properties in Hussar are assessed at $17.8 million, with an expected municipal revenue of approx $185,000. Requisitions of 2.417% to the Education Foundation and 0.104% to the Seniors Foundation must be paid out, totaling over $40,000. The residential base Mill Rate is 9.863% which is down 0.099% from last year’s 9.935%. This is the money the Village puts towards their planned budget. This was possible due to a rise in assessments.
Hussar’s 2024 Operating Budget of approximately $185,000 is based on the revenue from Property Taxes to be collected, and will be mostly used to pay for the RCMP and Fire Associations services, and for the salaries, wages and benefits for Council members, Administrators and Public Works employees.
With little Capital Reserves left after the Village completed major infrastructure improvements, and is currently planning ways to fix the issues with the sewer lines throughout, they are doing so while trying to save the ratepayers money. The Mail received information from the Village of Hussar’s Mayor Les Schultz about these plans.
“We did a major project last summer/fall on water and sewer for a block of 1st Ave that cost around $800,000 and used up most of our Capital reserves. We are currently seeking and learning about alternative ways of addressing the water sewer pipelines that don’t involve digging up the streets, by putting liners in the pipes instead which reduces the cost immensely, probably 25% of what is currently being spent to dig everything up. It doesn’t work on all lines but most lines,” explains Mayor Schultz.
Taxes are already due by the end of June, and penalties will be imposed on unpaid taxes immediately after the 30th. According to Hussar’s Tax Penalties and Installment Bylaw 542-22. Section 3.2 of the Bylaw states “current taxes not paid by 30th day of June in any year will have a penalty of 12% imposed on them on the first day of July in that year.”
For so many families already struggling, tax time can be an increasing stress. The Village has a Tax Installment Payment Program (TIPP) available for eligible residents to pay their taxes, in equal monthly installments, through an agreement set with terms and conditions by the Village. More information can be found in Section 4 of Bylaw 542-22 and applications for TIPP should be accessible on their website villageofhussar.ca or by calling their office at 403-787-3766.