Residents Speak Out on West Kelowna Power Project: “We Must Get This Right”

Update: BC-Hydro West Kelowna Transmission Project

Example of Transmission Lines on Route option 2A

A delegation of concerned residents as well as BC-Hydro's West Kelowna Transmission Project representatives presented to West Kelowna City council at their regular council meeting earlier this month.

Tom Groat, spokesperson for concerned West Kelowna residents, emphasized support for the transmission project which will provide a secondary power source to 70,000 westside residents. However, residents have expressed concern over route options and installation design - 100-foot overhead transmission lines versus underground.

Groat indicated the support for a route that minimizes the impact to our population and our environment - including protecting established residential neighbourhoods, minimizing permanent removal of greenbelt and natural areas and making long-term environmental and community impacts a priority over short-term construction costs.

Example of loss of green space along Route Option 2A

Addressing council Groat stated, "The route you support, the standards you demand, and the advocacy you demonstrate today will define the safety, livability, and character of our community far into the future. We can—and must—get this right."

Council responded by acknowledging residents' concerns and engagement in the process. Councillors DeJong, Johnston and Millsap expressed support for a more formal public meeting similar to a town hall as opposed to a walk-around or meet and greet. Council unanimously passed a motion for a public meeting allowing residents to speak to council directly.

BC-Hydro's presentation to council included reviewing the current route options and installation design. BC-Hydro spokesperson, Sally MacDonald, indicated they had received 1,300 survey responses with the vast majority of residents favouring Option 1.

West Kelowna Transmission Project - Route Options

Regarding the installation of the transmission lines MacDonald went on to say BC-Hydro's default is always overhead transmission lines. BC-Hydro will provide more specific details including route and installation recommendations at a council meeting later this spring.

Council responded to BC-Hydro stating their strong support for underground transmission lines, including along the highway 97 section. Councillor Johnston summed up his comments by stating, "Looking at the cost of underground versus overhead lines and the impact to the community over time, [underground] is worth the money everyday of the week."

The resident-generated petition "Powering Our Future Without Harming Our Neighbourhoods" has received over 600 signatures while BC-Hydro's Survey received 1,300 submissions.

Residents will have another opportunity to share their perspectives at an upcoming public meeting scheduled for May. As the project moves forward, both council and the community face important decisions that will shape West Kelowna’s landscape, environment, and livability for decades to come.