FortisBC has been given the green light to move forward with its Fruitvale Substation Project at 2054 Grieve Road, with the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) approving FortisBC’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity application on September 4.
With a projected cost estimated to be around $18.867 million, the project will involve the construction of a new substation to serve the community and surrounding area.
FortisBC was directed to apply for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity by the BCUC after several community members raised concerns about the proposed location for the project.
In its application, FortisBC indicated that it had evaluated 18 potential sites over the past four years, including 11 that had been proposed by the public. One of the first locations considered in 2021 was a site off Columbia Gardens Road, which was ruled out due to zoning requirements.
In 2023, FortisBC entered a purchase agreement for the 2064 Grieve Road location, known locally as the Moller/Lifely Farm. This sparked complaints from the community, as the site is believed to have agricultural value.
Mark Jaccard, BCUC’s Chair and CEO, stated that each alternative location FortisBC evaluated had challenges, noting that the BCUC approved the Grieve Road location because it was the “least worst” in terms of reliability.
“They’ve got to be able to find a location that works from an electricity system supply and reliability perspective, and so that means you want the substation right close to the community.”
“The process was very thorough. There was no location that didn’t have problems. So when we looked at all the evidence, this one was the best, or if you want to call it that, the least worst.”
Two substations near Trail currently serve the greater Fruitvale area, but they’re aging. Jaccard says replacing or expanding either substation was not an option, as the areas are too small and too far from the communities they serve.
“They were impossible. Where the old station is, the land area is just too small, and it’s right in the middle of a community, which wouldn’t work if you were to expand that. Then the other one is too far away. So this is the best location to ensure reliable electricity to this community, and reliable electricity is really important to the health and benefit of a community.”
While he sympathizes with community members concerned over the project’s location, Jaccard assures that FortisBC and the BCUC followed the appropriate steps to ensure the project will be built in a spot that best serves the community.
In addition, the BCUC has directed FortisBC to file yearly progress reports on community engagement activities and project progression, a final report within three months of completing the project, and any material change reports as required.
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