Parsville City Hall is one of multiple BC Hydro customers impacted by a day-long planned power outage by BC Hydro on Wednesday, May 7 (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

lights out

Day-long power outage to impact portions of downtown Parksville

May 6, 2025 | 5:06 PM

PARKSVILE — An extended power outage will inconvenience hundreds of people in downtown Parksville as BC Hydro crews conduct scheduled underground utility work.

The planned outage impacts 310 BC Hydro customers on Wednesday, May 7 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. according to Ted Olynyk, BC Hydro’s Vancouver Island community relations manager.

He said the outage zone spans from Jensen Ave East between the Alberni Hwy extending south to the Corfield St. area.

Sections of Craig and Weld st. are also included in the closure.

“Certain outages require us to do it during daylight hours for safety and to take the power off. We know there’s never a good time, but we appreciate everybody’s patience,” Olynyk told NanaimoNewsNOW.

expression vs decency

Review of Port Theatre requested as Nanaimo Council avoid cancelling controversial comedian

47m ago

Shell shocked

Nanoose Bay clam harvesters dig huge fines

3h ago

climate change

'To make sure that we're adaptable' Nanaimo updating sea level rise planning

7h ago

He said the work involves underground maintenance and upgrades to their infrastructure in downtown Parksville

“Often when we’re working in our underground system work is done with the power cut off so it can be done safely,” Olynyk added.

Normally a hub of activity, the day-long outage sees the Parksville City Hall building shut down entirely.

The facility at 100 Jensen Ave. East., is also home to a Vancouver Island Regional Library branch, as well as the Qualicum School District administration office.

City of Parksville communications manager Deb Tardiff stated while some of their staff will work from home and others are taking a vacation day, formal inquiries to City personnel will be responded to.

Subscribe to our daily news wrap. Local news delivered to your email inbox every evening. Stay up to date on everything Nanaimo and Oceanside.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

Follow us on: Twitter (X) | Bluesky | Facebook