FortisBC is ready to break ground on its controversial substation in Fruitvale.
After considerable public input and study, the utility company determined that the Grieve Road location off Highway 3B in Fruitvale was the only suitable option for the new substation, and that construction would start soon.
“We began preliminary work at the site in mid-October and expect to be doing some site preparation this fall,” said Gary Toft, senior communications advisor, FortisBC.
In the past four years, FortisBC evaluated 18 potential sites for the project, including one at Mazzocchi Park, and 11 proposed by the public.
On Sept. 4, the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC) approved FortisBC’s application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the new substation site at 2064 Grieve Rd.
“We expect additional site preparation will take place in April 2025, with major construction on the site starting in May, and a targeted completion by December 2026," Toft added.
"These timelines may change as the project progresses.”
The selected site received considerable pushback from Fruitvale residents, but in the end was approved.
“The BCUC initiated an open and transparent public process to review FortisBC’s project application, after receiving complaints about the proposed project location,” said the BCUC in a release.
“The review process included active participation from five registered interveners, as well as 41 letters of comment, including two petitions from the public.”
Residents expressed concerns with location, site selection, zoning, visual impact, harm to wildlife, and loss of agricultural land, as well as loss of trees, EMF (electromagnetic field), lighting, proximity to residential areas, and property values.
Fortis says its location review took into account all stakeholder feedback and concerns.
The company's decision to build the substation closer to Highway 3B, as opposed to Old Salmo Road, also avoided many of the community’s concerns with wildlife, deforestation, zoning, aesthetics and decline in property values.
Despite impending construction, FortisBC does not expect it will impact those people living in proximity to the substation.
During the construction process, FortisBC said it will prep the site, build concrete foundations, install equipment within the site, construct power lines to and from the station, and complete site landscaping and fencing.
“We anticipate few disruptions to the community while construction is underway because the majority of the work will take place within the property and inside the substation,” said Toft.
FortisBC noted there may be an increase in traffic and some noise during construction, but the new Fruitvale substation will include noise-reduced transformers similar to those used in recent substation upgrades at Salmo, Playmor and Beaver Park, and a 2.7 meter high concrete fence around the station.
“We are continuing to work closely with local residents to keep them informed and minimize disruptions as the project progresses," Toft told the Trail Times.
“We met with several neighbouring property owners in September to hear what greening and screening requests they had for their properties and to share with them information on the work upcoming this year.”
Concerns from members of the local community will persist, but the utility said it will continue to work with the affected parties to reduce impacts and communicate benefits.
“FortisBC is committed to providing families and businesses in British Columbia with energy that is safe, reliable and affordable."
After servicing the area for over half a century, the Fruitvale and Hearn substations need to be replaced in order to meet customers’ energy needs in the area.
According to FortisBC, the new substation that will serve Fruitvale and nearby communities represents an investment of more than $18 million in the region’s electricity system, so that its customers can continue to have the energy they need, when they need it.
"It will also help support economic and community growth, now and in the future," Toft added.
The BCUC also directed FortisBC to file yearly progress reports on community engagement activities and project progression, including a final report within three months of completing the project, and any material change reports.
