October 28, 2015 – BC Hydro and the City of Kamloops say they have reached an agreement for BC Hydro to acquire land from the city for the construction of a new substation in southwest Kamloops. The substation is needed to help meet growing electricity demand, the utility explains.

The new substation will be built on an industrial site off Bunker Road that is adjacent to the city works yard and Kenna Cartwright Park. The site is close to existing transmission lines and has low potential for environmental and archaeological impacts, according to BC Hydro.

“Over the next 20 years, the population of the city is expected grow by 25%,” says Peter Milobar, Kamloops mayor. “Much of this growth will be in the southwest area of Kamloops and we’ve been working closely with BC Hydro to identify a site for the new substation to ensure the electrical needs of the region are met.”

Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2016 and the substation is expected to be in service in 2018. BC Hydro cites the cost of the project at an estimated $49 million. BC Hydro says it is currently working on substation design and will host an information session for the public later this year or early next year.