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Could 100-Foot Transmission Poles Be Coming to Shannon Lake?

  • slnaorg
  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read


Many residents of the Shannon Lake neighbourhood may not yet be aware of a major infrastructure project that could significantly affect our community in the coming years. While the project is still in the planning stages, one of the potential outcomes could involve large transmission poles running through the Shannon Lake corridor.


The Need for a Second Transmission Line

On the westside of the Okanagan, more than 70,000 residents—living in West Kelowna, Peachland, the Westbank First Nation, and parts of Summerland—currently depend on a single 138-kilovolt transmission line to supply electricity to the entire region. The entire Westside is vulnerable to a potential power disruption caused by wildfire, severe storm, or major equipment failure which would disrupt power to our homes, businesses, schools, urgent care facilities and tens of thousands of people.


The need for a backup transmission line was first identified back in 2014. At a public open house in 2019, residents were told a decision on a new line would come by 2020, with the backup line expected to be in service by 2022. Those timelines have slipped considerably, and the project is now expected to be completed sometime between 2030 and 2032.


The Westbank Substation Upgrade – Possible Routes


In 2024 BC Hydro proposed connecting the Westbank Substation to a substation in Kelowna operated by Fortis BC. The need for the project is clear however the exact route of the new transmission line has not yet been finalized.


BC Hydro has identified several route options.



One potential route would run down Old Okanagan Highway, which BC Hydro considers Option 1 (see map). This is the most direct path, however, this route requires approval from the Westbank First Nation, since it would pass through reserve lands on the traditional territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) people. BC Hydro is working with a Westbank First Nation–led Project Review Committee to understand and reduce environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic impacts. Without the WFN approval, BC Hydro cannot proceed with that option.


BC Hydro’s Option 2a or 2b (see map) would follow the Shannon Lake corridor, including areas along Shannon Lake Road.


BC Hydro is a provincial crown corporation and ultimately answers to the B.C. Ministry of Energy. As such, routing along Shannon Lake may be easier to approve if agreements with the Westbank First Nation cannot be reached. The City of West Kelowna would be consulted, but the final decision would ultimately be made at the provincial level by the BC Utilities Commission.


What This Could Mean for Shannon Lake

If the Shannon Lake route is selected, the project could involve the installation of major transmission infrastructure through the neighbourhood.


Transmission lines can be built either underground or overhead. However, BC Hydro has acknowledged that underground transmission lines typically cost 10 to 20 times more than overhead installations.


If overhead lines are used, they could require 100-foot transmission poles to safely carry the electrical load. Depending on the final design, the route could involve multiple transmission poles running along the corridor. For residents, this could raise concerns about:

• Neighbourhood aesthetics and views

• Changes to the character of the community

• Potential impacts on property values

• Construction disruptions during installation


At this stage, no final decisions have been made, but the possibility highlights why community awareness is important.


How Residents Can Get Involved

Residents who want to learn more or share concerns may wish to consider the following steps:

Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026Time: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.Please register

at projects@bchydro.com and BC Hydro will send you a meeting link.

  • Submit feedback:

  • Contact local representatives

  • Advocate for alternatives

    • In some communities, utilities have agreed to place transmission lines underground in highly sensitive residential areas, while using overhead infrastructure elsewhere to control costs.

  • Work together as a neighbourhood

    • The Shannon Lake Neighbourhood Association can help residents stay informed, coordinate feedback. Consider joining the SLNA to ensure the neighbourhood has a strong voice during planning.


Why It Matters

Reliable power for the Westside is essential. A redundant transmission line would provide much-needed security for tens of thousands of residents and businesses. However, where and how that infrastructure is built will shape neighbourhoods for decades.


For Shannon Lake residents, staying informed and participating in the conversation now can help ensure the community’s interests are considered as plans move forward.

 
 
 

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