Why Get Involved?
When large projects are proposed, there's a public review process before any decisions are made. Taking part - even just by staying informed - helps residents understand what's being planned and how the decisions may impact our county and it's communities.
You don’t need to be an expert or take a position. Getting involved can be as simple as following updates, reading information for yourself, and knowing what stage the project is in. Staying informed doesn’t mean taking sides — it simply means staying aware of what’s happening in your community.
Which Regulator(s) Reviews a Project?
Alberta Energy Regulator (AER)
Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)
Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)
What the AER Oversees
Projects connected to natural resources and underground development, including:
- Oil and gas wells
- Lithium and mineral projects
- Pipelines
- Processing facilities
- Injection or disposal wells
- Geothermal or subsurface energy projects
Main focus
- Safe resource development
- Environmental protection
- Land and groundwater impacts
How the public usually participates
- Submit a Statement of Concern if you believe you may be affected
- Participation is usually limited to nearby residents or landowners
- Reviews often happen in several technical stages
What to expect
- Technical review process
- Public hearings are less common
- Participation is often tied to proximity to the project
Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)
Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)
Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)
What the AUC Oversees
Projects related to electricity and utilities, including:
- Power plants (natural gas, wind, solar, battery storage)
- Transmission lines
- Substations
- Large electricity infrastructure
Main focus
- Electricity generation and reliability
- Utility infrastructure
- Public interest balancing costs, impacts, and need
How the public usually participates
- Apply as an Intervenor or Observer
- Participation may be open to residents beyond the immediate area
- Public hearings are more common
What to expect
- Tribunal-style review process
- Formal hearings may occur
- Broader public participation opportunities
Synapse Data Centre & Gas Plant (Olds)
Last Updated Feb 21/26
Synapse Data Center Reference AUC Proceeding #30625
The proposed Synapse Data Centre and natural gas power plant near Olds is being reviewed by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).
Residents of Olds and other Mountain View County communities have opportunities to follow and take part in the review process. Participation can be as simple as staying informed and accessing information directly from the regulator.
1. Register as an AUC Observer
(For projects reviewed by the Alberta Utilities Commission)
Some projects, such as power plants and energy facilities, are reviewed by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).
Even if you live outside the notification area, you can register as an Observer.
Being an observer means you can:
· Receive updates from the AUC
· Read project documents as they are filed
· Follow the review process step by step
You do not need to support or oppose a project to register.
· Go to: https://www.auc.ab.ca
Search the project name or proceeding number and click “Register as an Observer.”
2. Participate More (If You Are Directly Affected)
Some residents may be able to take part more formally in the process. This may include:
· sending a written statement
· requesting participation status
Who can do this depends on how close they live to the project and whether they may be considered being affected. Details are available on the AUC website.
3. Follow Municipal Decisions
Some decisions happen at the local municipal level.
Residents can:
· attend council meetings
· read meeting agendas and minutes
· send comments to council
· speak at public hearings when scheduled
Check your town or the county website for meeting dates and notices.
4. Other Projects
Not all projects are reviewed by the AUC. Some are reviewed by other provincial regulators, such as:
· Alberta Energy Regulator (AER)
· Alberta Environment and Protected Areas
These projects may include:
· public comment periods
· information sessions
· regulatory review stages
5. Why Staying Informed Matters
Staying informed does not mean taking sides. It helps residents:
· understand what is being proposed
· know what stage a project is in
· follow decisions that may affect the community
Good information helps everyone have better conversations.
Synapse Data Center Reference AUC Proceeding #30625
* Source: AUC — Participate in a Proceeding
E3 Lithium Project – Clearwater Facility
Feb 22/26
E3 Clearwater Project AER Application Number: 1960290
The proposed E3 Lithium central processing facility for its Clearwater lithium project applications are under review by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER),
What residents in the affected area can do
If you live, farm, or own property near the proposed E3 Lithium project area (Located on Hwy 791 between the Hwy 582 & Hwy 27 ), you may have formal participation rights through the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER).
The AER does not define a fixed boundary. Participation depends on whether you may be directly and adversely affected by a project.
You may qualify if the project could impact:
- your property or nearby land
- groundwater or surface water
- noise, lighting, or traffic
- farming operations or land use
- air emissions or nearby industrial activity
1. Watch for Application Notices
Applications are posted on the AER Public Notice of Application (PNOA) system.
These notices open a limited window (often about 30 days) for public input.
2️. File a Statement of Concern
A Statement of Concern (SOC) is the main way residents participate in an AER review.
You may submit one if you believe the project could affect you personally. Include:
- who you are and where you live
- your proximity to the project
- how you may be affected
- questions or concerns you want reviewed
How to File
- Go to: https://www.aer.ca/applications-and-notices
- Search project name or Application No. 1960290
- Open the project notice and follow the link to Submit a Statement of Concern.
Your submission becomes part of the official regulatory record.
3. Participate in consultation
Project developers must consult with nearby stakeholders. You can:
- ask questions directly
- request meetings or clarification
- share local knowledge about land or water use
- keep records of communication
Early participation often has the greatest influence.
4. Attend public information sessions
Open houses or community meetings may be held during permitting stages. These allow residents to:
- hear project details directly
- ask questions
- understand timelines and next steps
What Anyone Can Do
Even if you do not live next to the project, you can still stay informed. Review public applications, decisions, and technical reports. Follow regulatory updates. Monitor:
- AER application postings
- approval decisions
- project amendments or changes
Participate locally
Share feedback during consultations or through municipal processes and elected representatives.
Helping others access public, verifiable sources supports informed discussion.
Why participation matters
Regulators consider both technical studies and local knowledge, including:
- farming practices
- drainage and groundwater conditions
- rural traffic patterns
- community impacts not always shown in reports
E3 Clearwater Project AER Application Number: 1960290
* Source: Alberta Energy Regulator — Applications & Notices (Participant Involvement) https://www.aer.ca/applications-and-notices