Willow Ridge Wind
Harnessing the winds of southern Alberta—powering tomorrow with Willow Ridge.
Project Overview
The Willow Ridge Wind Project
The Willow Ridge Wind Project (the “Project”) is a proposed up to 196 MW wind project being proposed 7.2 km south of Fort MacLeod. The project is being proposed by SPWC Development GP Inc. (SPWC) which will also construct and operate the wind-powered electrical energy generation facility. The project team has completed a hearing with the Alberta Utilities Commission and is undergoing preparation of its regulatory approval application to the MD of Willow Creek. The project is estimated to start construction in 2026 and achieve Commercial Operation in late 2027.
Project Summary
The Willow Ridge Wind Project is a proposed 196 MW utility-scale facility located approximately 7.2 km south of Fort MacLeod in southern Alberta. Developed by SPWC Development GP Inc.—a subsidiary of Algonquin Power—it features 28 wind turbines (reduced from an original 31) outfitted with Nordex N163-6.X technology. The refined site layout serves to avoid aviation corridors near the Fort MacLeod airstrip and respects stakeholder feedback, while shifting infrastructure to maximize wind capture efficiency.
The project also includes a 50 MW/100 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), doubling its initial storage capacity without increasing noise impacts and reducing overall unit count. Infrastructure enhancements include adjustments to access roads and collector line routes to shrink the environmental footprint. Construction is expected to commence by mid‑2026, with commercial operations slated for late 2027. The project’s 25‑year operational term is extendable through equipment upgrades and replacement.
Community
SPWC understands that community support is important for the Project’s success. SPWC is dedicated to ongoing communication and information sharing with local residents, stakeholders and surrounding First Nations.
Previous feedback was considered by the Project team in preparation of the required applications. Feedback was also incorporated into an engagement summary document and shared with the Alberta Utilities Commission as part of the application process.
Upcoming Meetings/Events
There are no meetings/events planned at this time. Please check this page for any upcoming meetings/events.
Public Meetings / Events
March 30, 2022
An Open House was held on Wednesday March 30, 2022 at the Fort Macleod Community Hall where SPWC and members of the Project team met with attendees and shared information about the Project. You can view the boards shared at the Open House by clicking here.
Industry Information
Information has been prepared to assess the Project. This information can be reviewed by clicking below.
- An updated Project Map that outlines the location of the proposed turbines and related project infrastructure
- Noise Modelling that predicts the cumulative sound experienced at residences within the study area (including noise generated by other nearby energy facilities)
- Shadow Flicker Modelling that predicts the potential shadow flicker experienced at nearby residences within the study area
- Project visualizations of the proposed wind turbines relative to representative viewscapes in the study area
Previously shared materials:
- Project Update – Willow Ridge Wind Project (May 2024)
- Project Update Frequently Asked Questions (May 2024)
- Project Details Map (November 2022)
- Noise Modelling (November 2022)
- Shadow Flicker Modelling (November 2022)
- Project Details Map (March 2022)
- Noise Modelling and Shadow Flicker Modelling (March 2022)
- A Frequently Asked Questions document (March 2022)
- A Supplemental Frequently Asked Questions document (August 2022)
- Open House Boards shared during a public Open House (March 2022)
Contact Information
If you would like to contact someone from the Project team please contact:
SPWC:
Kim van den Heuvel – Director, Project Development
kim.vandenheuvel@clearlightenergy.com
647-533-2584
Juan Flechas – Project Manager
juan.flechas@clearlightenergy.com
289-952-3672
Gabriella Kovacs – Environmental Planner
gabriella.kovacs@clearlightenergy.com
647-528-6439