BC Hydro Crews are installing a new electrical transmission line to Protection Island, replacing aging infrastructure. (submitted/Hilary Eastmure)

By Ian Holmes

energy upgrades

$4.3 million electricity upgrade for Protection Islanders underway

May 26, 2020 | 5:50 AM

NANAIMO — Dozens of BC Hydro crews recently began the initial phase of installing an underwater electricity line to Protection Island via Maffeo Sutton Park.

The company’s Karla Louwers told NanaimoNewsNOW crews are currently digging in the south end of the park near Front St. to place the submarine cables to be extended to Protection Island’s Pirates Park.

Louwers said the project is slated to be up and running this fall, who said Protection Island’s current power needs are provided by an aging Newcastle Island cable.

“We’ve been working in advance of that cable reaching end of life so we can provide the consistency and reliability of power to Protection Island,” Louwers said.

Hydro crews are scheduled to be in Maffeo Sutton Park until July 14, while Louwers noted the park will be returned to its previous condition.

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“We aren’t there consistently throughout the whole time, but certainly pedestrians can expect to have their route detoured as our crews work to install this important infrastructure.”

Louwers said the amount of digging required on Protection Island will be minimal.

She said most of the shoreline work on the Nanaimo side will be done in early June, while the cable will be extended on the ocean floor to Protection Island between Aug. 9 to 11.

The enhanced power supply is slated to be up operational this fall, according to Louwers.

There are currently 275 BC Hydro connections on Protection Island, which the utility company has served since 1969.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes