Say “NO” To Proposed Power Line Route #2 Option Through Shannon Lake
- slnaorg
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
What are Shannon Lake residents asking
Residents of the Shannon Lake neighbourhood in West Kelowna are asking BC Hydro to eliminate Transmission Line Route Option 2a/2b, which would place major power infrastructure directly through our community along Shannon Lake Road.
We support the need for reliable electricity. BC Hydro’s proposed project would connect the Westbank Substation to a substation in Kelowna operated by FortisBC to improve power reliability for the Westside. But the route matters.
One option under consideration — Route 2a/2b — would run through the Shannon Lake corridor, potentially bringing 100-foot transmission poles and large power lines into a residential neighbourhood.
What this could mean for the Shannon Lake Neighbourhood
If this route is selected, residents could face:
• Significant tree removal and deforestation along Shannon Lake Road
• 100-foot transmission poles running through the neighbourhood
• Loss of natural views and neighbourhood character
• Possible impacts on property values
• Major construction disruption during installation
What could be the Environmental and Aesthetic Impact on Shannon Lake
Transmission lines require large safety clearances to prevent trees from falling onto power lines. However, BC Hydro has not yet released the final clearing requirements, which could mean significant vegetation removal along the corridor. Once trees are removed and infrastructure is built, the change to our community will be permanent.
Before any route is finalized, BC Hydro should:
Fully evaluate alternative routes that avoid residential neighbourhoods
Provide clear information on vegetation clearing requirements
Consider underground infrastructure where appropriate
Why this matters - Reliable power is essential. But infrastructure decisions made today will shape our community for decades. The Shannon Lake neighbourhood deserves solutions that protect our environment, our views, and our homes.
TAKE ACTION
1. Immediate Action: Complete the BC-Hydro Survey (Deadline is March 31st)
Tell BC Hydro to eliminate Transmission Line Route Option 2a/2b through Shannon Lake and choose an alternative route.
2. Learn more about the West Kelowna Transmission Project
3. SIGN THE PETITION
4. Share your concerns by writing:
BC-Hydro at projects@bchydro.com
West Kelowna Mayor and Council at mayorandcouncil@westkelownacity.ca
MLA Macklin McCall at Macklin.McCall.MLA@leg.bc.ca
5. Follow community information sites:
Our neighbourhood deserves a voice in decisions that will affect it for generations.
If this petition succeeds where will the transmission lines be located? I live near the lake but i don't want them in my neighbourhood either. All our feeds are buried, We need a lot more information before signing anything like this. They already spoiled the lake with all those ugly row houses.