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West Kelowna Residents Speak Out Over BC Hydro Transmission Project

  • slnaorg
  • 1 day ago
  • 4 min read

Residents packed West Kelowna council chambers on May 26 for a public hearing on the proposed BC Hydro transmission project.



Between 100 and 200 people attended, including homeowners, business owners, and community members from across the city. While many agreed the Westside urgently needs improved power reliability, concerns were raised about how the project will be built and whether residents are truly being heard.


The meeting began with a presentation from BC Hydro Project Manager Jason Kim, who provided an overview of the project and route options. Kim stated that “BC Hydro values the perspective shared by the community and are committed to consider this input thoughtfully and transparently.”


But many residents left unconvinced.


Throughout Kim’s presentation, BC Hydro repeatedly emphasized the challenges of underground installation — including higher costs, construction complexity, longer timelines, and traffic disruptions. At the same time, overhead steel monopoles were presented as the more practical solution.


For many in attendance, the message felt clear: despite public feedback, BC Hydro appears committed to overhead transmission lines.


Residents stressed that meaningful public engagement requires more than simply presenting options. Communities need confidence that all possibilities are being seriously evaluated before decisions are made.


Although opinions differed on some details, there was broad agreement on one point: West Kelowna needs a second transmission line to improve power security. Residents noted they have waited more than 20 years for this project.



Many speakers voiced support for Route Option #1, describing it as the most direct route with the least environmental impact on the community.


Others raised concerns about Route Option #2A. Resident Sheryl Rudd spoke about the potential impact near Constable Neil Bruce Middle School, saying, “My concern is for the children attending Constable Neil Bruce Middle School.”


Another resident pointed to Paynter Mountain, located near Route 2A, noting the area is home to osprey, eagles, and owls. Concerns were raised that overhead power lines could threaten local bird populations.


Resident and business owner Erik Wiik used visual presentations to explain concerns about the loss of green space associated with overhead lines. He also referenced other BC Hydro projects in Esquimalt, Richmond, and Victoria where underground transmission lines were successfully installed.



Local business owners also spoke passionately about protecting the character and beauty of West Kelowna.


Prior to the start of the public hearing, Mayor Milsom shared that West Kelowna had recently received international recognition as one of the Top 15 Food Destinations in the World by National Geographic — a distinction built upon the region’s wineries, agricultural heritage, natural landscapes, and outdoor lifestyle.


The installation of overhead lines could not be more contradictory to the direction the city itself has been working toward.


As Lakeview Heights resident Justin Pasutto stated during the hearing, “BC-Hydro is proposing steel monopoles the height of a 10-storey building. West Kelowna has spent years building its identity around tourism, wineries, agriculture and the natural beauty of the Okanagan.”

 

Business owner Domenic Rapone praised the city for recently establishing an Economic Development Corporation specifically aimed at attracting new businesses, investment, and young professionals but questioned whether the full financial impacts of overhead transmission lines have been properly studied. He asked whether an independent economic impact assessment has been considered to examine effects on tourism, businesses, property values, and future investment.


Property owner Paul Pasutto strongly opposed overhead towers, explaining, “The biggest decision we have here is underground versus overhead and it should be non-negotiable. Why are we even considering putting the 10-storey 100-foot towers in our community.”


Following the hearing, Mayor Gord Milsom directed City staff to outline for residents the next steps the city will be taking.


Brent Magnan, Director of Development Services, said staff plan to provide:

  • A summary of the public hearing

  • A summary of previous City feedback to BC Hydro

  • Responses to questions raised by residents


No timeline has yet been announced for when that report will be released.


Despite the lengthy discussion, many residents said the process has raised more questions than answers.


Among the key concerns still being asked by the community:

  • Why is the project being presented in separate segments instead of as one complete project? Why have Segments 2 through 4, the route along Hwy 97 and across the lake, largely been excluded from public discussion?

  • Will BC Hydro complete a full Life Cycle Cost Analysis comparing overhead and underground options?

  • Will an independent Economic Impact Study be completed to examine impacts on tourism, businesses, property values, and future growth?

  • Has the City created a West Kelowna Transmission Project advisory committee involving BC Hydro and Westbank First Nation?

  • Has the City reviewed examples of other BC communities that successfully pushed for underground transmission lines?

  • Providing input to the BC Utilities Commission ensures the community’s voice shapes the project's development. The city does not have to wait for BC-Hydro to submit its Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity application to express their concerns. Has the City formally submitted concerns to the BC Utilities Commission?


Residents say these are reasonable questions for a community facing infrastructure that could permanently change the appearance and identity of West Kelowna.


Those wishing to provide feedback can contact:

Archived webcast of the public hearing can be viewed here.

 
 
 

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