July 23, 2005

 

Mr. Robert H. Hobbs

Chair

B.C. Utilities Commission

Box 250, 900 Howe Street

Vancouver, V6Z 2N3

 

Dear Mr. Hobbs,

 

As you are aware, BCTC has filed their application to the B.C. Utilities Commission for the Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project. As you are also aware, the deadline to apply for intervention status is July 29, 2005 and the Procedural Conference to determine the timing and format of the public hearings is to be held August 4th.  The Tsawwassen Residents Against Higher Voltage Overhead Lines (TRAHVOL) would like to express our disappointment that the timing of these important steps has been scheduled in the middle of the summer vacation period, when many residents are out-of-town and occupied with family activities. In addition many parties that will be impacted by the outcome of the BCUC hearings including the Delta School Board, Delta City Council and the Parent Advisory Committee of South Delta Secondary School are not readily available during the summer months.

 

TRAHVOL is requesting that the B.C. Utilities Commission extend the deadline for application for interveners and reschedule the August 4th Procedural Conference to the fall to fully allow public participation in this important part of the process. I think you would agree that scheduling this conference two days after a long weekend, is not the best timing to ensure that the community is fully represented.

 

I’m sure the commission can appreciate that the current proposal to route the transmission lines through the middle of the backyards of 200 homes, four neighborhood parks including the high school sports field, and beside a day care will have tremendous impacts on the community. There has been strong ongoing public opposition to this proposal, which will affect our community for the next 60 years. The Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement Project has been in the planning stages with BC Hydro for over 12 years.  We believe that rushing this important stage of community consultation, given the level of concern expressed to date, is not effective or responsible planning.

 

Unfortunately, this is another example of the lack of public consultation and disregard for community concerns we have experienced in dealing with BCTC over the past eight months. Residents were first informed of the power line upgrade mid December during the hectic holiday season. This pattern of scheduling important announcements and information sessions when residents are most likely to be busy and distracted is very transparent and has been discussed at large in the community. This has contributed to distrust in both the process and in the motivations of BCTC who have not engaged in honest, open communication with the residents or Delta City Council.

 

BCTC states on page 6 of their Project Overview document: “The current schedule still includes 4 to 6 months of float available to accommodate unforeseen delays.”, therefore it is apparent a delay of approximately one month will not seriously impact their schedule. 

 

We ask that you seriously consider our request and grant an extension for intervener status and delay the August 4th Procedural Conference, as the current plan of events will not allow for a fair public consultation process. We believe that given the recent experience of the failed Duke Point Project and resulting criticism of BC Hydro and the Provincial Government, that it is in everyone’s best interest to ensure that the community’s voice is heard.

 

Thank you for your consideration.

 

Sincerely,

Tsawwassen Residents Against Higher Voltage Overhead Lines

 

Neil Atchison, P.Eng.                                      Cecil Dunn
Co-chair                                                           Co-chair
T (604) 318-2825                                        T (604) 943-9276
neil.atchison@telus.net                         cec.dunn@telus.net                 

 

cc:       

Premier Gordon Campbell

Honourable Richard Neufeld – Minister of Energy and Mines

            Honourable Valerie Roddick – MLA Delta South

            Honourable Carole James, Leader of the NDP Party

            Mayor Jackson and Council – Corporation of Delta

            George Harvie – CAO – Corporation of Delta

            Delta School Board

BCTC Board of Directors

            Jane Peverett, President and CEO – BCTC

            The Vancouver Sun

            The Vancouver Province

            Business in Vancouver

The Delta Optimist

South Delta Leader