Position on High-Voltage Transmission Routing in West Kelowna

The need for increased electrical capacity in the Central Okanagan is not in dispute. Growth in electrification, including electric vehicles, population expansion, and evolving technology demands, makes additional supply essential. The question is not whether infrastructure is needed—but how it is delivered, and at what long-term cost to the community.

While BC Hydro has explored several routing options since 2018—including supply from the Nicola Substation—its more recent 2025 direction to connect from FortisBC infrastructure in Kelowna raises serious concerns if overhead transmission is used in urban areas.

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Major Concerns with Overhead High-Voltage Transmission Lines

1. Environmental Impacts - Overhead transmission corridors introduce long-term environmental disruption:

• Deforestation and habitat fragmentation: Wide corridors must be cleared and maintained, permanently altering ecosystems.

• Visual landscape degradation: The westside is widely recognized for its natural beauty. Steel towers and cables significantly impact this natural beauty.

• Vegetation management: Ongoing herbicide use or mechanical clearing affects biodiversity and soil health.

• Water System degradation: Creeks along corridor could see loss of biodiversity and increased flood and erosion risks downstream

Underground or underwater alternatives dramatically reduce these impacts after installation.

2. Socio-Economic Impacts - Overhead lines impose measurable economic and social costs:

• Property value reduction: Numerous studies show residential property values decline near high-voltage corridors.₁

• Tourism and local economy: The Okanagan economy depends heavily on tourism, wineries, and outdoor recreation. Industrial infrastructure undermines this appeal.

• Land use restrictions: Transmission corridors limit development potential and future planning flexibility.

• Community division: Large infrastructure corridors can physically and psychologically divide neighbourhoods.

By contrast, underground systems preserve land usability and community cohesion.

3. Health and Safety Concerns - Although research continues, public concern remains significant:

• Electromagnetic fields (EMF): Long-term exposure to EMFs from high-voltage lines is still debated, but perceived risks alone affect community well-being and stress levels.

• Noise pollution: Corona discharge from high-voltage lines can create persistent buzzing or crackling sounds, especially in damp conditions.

• Fire risk: In regions like the Okanagan—already prone to wildfires—overhead lines introduce ignition risks during extreme weather events.

• Structural hazards: Tower failure, line breakage, or storm damage can pose direct physical risks.

Underground systems largely eliminate these issues.

4. Geotechnical and Reliability Considerations - While overhead lines are often viewed as easier to repair:

• They are more vulnerable to weather events (windstorms, ice loading, wildfires).

• They require ongoing maintenance access, increasing land disturbance.

• Underground systems, while more complex to repair, are less exposed to environmental hazards and often more reliable long-term.

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Preferred Solution: Underwater and Underground Transmission

The most viable long-term solution a fully buried transmission system:

• Underwater crossing from Kelowna (FortisBC supply) beneath Okanagan Lake

• Underground routing through West Kelowna and/or Westbank First Nation lands to the Westbank Substation

Benefits include:

• Minimal visual and environmental footprint after installation

• No long-term disruption to communities or ecosystems

• Maintains property values and tourism appeal

• Eliminates EMF exposure concerns at surface level

• Reduces wildfire and weather-related risks

Addressing Cost Concerns - It is acknowledged that underground and underwater transmission systems have higher upfront capital costs compared to overhead lines. However:

• Lifecycle costs (maintenance, vegetation management, repairs) are often lower

• Avoided socio-economic losses (property values, tourism impact) offset initial expense

• Risk mitigation (fires, outages, liability) provides long-term financial benefit

• Infrastructure decisions should reflect 50 to100-year horizons, not short-term savings

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Call for Leadership and Active Municipal Engagement

Given the scale, impact, and long-term consequences of the Westbank Power Project, it is essential that the City of West Kelowna take a far more active and visible leadership role in shaping outcomes.

The City of Kelowna established a clear and principled position in 2017 opposing new overhead high-voltage transmission infrastructure within its boundaries, citing impacts to urban environments and parkland.

"The City of Kelowna opposes the construction of any overhead infrastructure by BC Hydro within City boundaries or to the south of the City and east of Okanagan Lake. The City of Kelowna cannot support overhead infrastructure that may negatively affect the City's urban environment or parkland."

A consistent regional approach is both logical and necessary. The City of West Kelowna should adopt a similar stance to ensure:

• Protection of shared environmental assets

• Alignment in regional planning

• Fair distribution of infrastructure impacts

To date, Westbank First Nation has demonstrated a proactive and structured approach through its Project Advisory Committee, engaging directly and consistently with BC Hydro. This level of involvement ensures that community values, environmental stewardship, and long-term planning priorities are clearly represented throughout the decision-making process.

A similar level of commitment is now required from West Kelowna Council and staff.

Specifically, the City of West Kelowna should:

• Establish a formal advisory or working group dedicated to the Westbank Power Project

• Engage directly and consistently with BC Hydro in all stages of planning and route selection

• Advocate clearly for underground and underwater transmission solutions as the preferred option

• Ensure transparency and regular communication with residents regarding project developments

• Collaborate regionally with Kelowna and Westbank First Nation to present a unified position

Without strong municipal leadership, critical decisions risk being made without fully accounting for local priorities, including:

• Protection of residential neighbourhoods

• Preservation of environmental and scenic assets

• Long-term economic sustainability

• Public health and safety concerns

The City of West Kelowna must not take a passive or reactive role. Instead, it should act as a primary advocate for its residents, ensuring that all infrastructure decisions reflect the community’s long-term vision.

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Closing Statement

The Westbank Power Project will shape the future of West Kelowna for generations. Active, informed, and assertive participation by the City of West Kelowna is not optional—it is essential.

By stepping forward now, the City of West Kelowna can help ensure that necessary infrastructure is delivered in a way that protects the environment, respects community values, and prioritizes the well-being of all residents over short-term cost savings.

West Kelowna has the opportunity—and responsibility—to advocate for infrastructure that reflects the values, health, and future of its community.

Concerned Residents of West Kelowna

References

1. Seda Nur Marabaoğlu & Bayram Uzun (05 May 2025): The impact of high

voltage transmission lines (HVTL) on property value: A descriptive initial survey