Substation Concerns

Residents in Naramata are saying, 'not in my back yard,' to Fortis B.C.

A newly formed group called Naramations Against the Fortis Substation wants to convince the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District and the B.C. Utilities Commission to deny a proposal by Fortis to build an electrical substation in their town.

The company's request to remove 1.2 hectares to build the substation has already been approved by the Agricultural Land Commission. The substation will take up about 40-50 metres and will be capable of handling 63,000 volts.

Residents are concerned that the substation will be loud and will be an eyesore. A spokesperson for Fortis says they are willing to look at something to make everyone happy, but they are having trouble finding other suitable sites.

The Utilities Commission is looking into ways to hear resident's concerns and is considering holding some public or written hearing.