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By Corey Fischer
Plan To Bring Hydro to Cosens Bay

New Plan To Bring Hydro to Cosens Bay

Jan 11, 2019 | 5:00 PM

Local politicians have been asked to support the latest plan to bring electrical power to the Cosens Bay area on the east side of Kalamalka Lake.

Greater Vernon Advisory Committee chair Akbal Mund says John Keating and Dave Either from CB Powerline are proposing to extend a BC Hydro link under the Rail Trail and along the bottom of the lake, to connect to the 100 properties.

The proponents say the project would reduce the need for gas, propane and other fossil fuels and generators.

“This isn’t the first time in my tenure at GVAC this has come up. Probably once a year it comes up, and this is their latest proposal on how to bring power to the other side,” Mund tells Beach Radio News.

Mund says a previous idea was to use a Fortis BC high voltage line located near the Cosens Bay area.

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“But that failed, due to the fact Fortis can’t deliver electricity to the Vernon area because BC Hydro is the main supplier here.”

The actual access point on the Rail Trail and in the lake is still under discussion.

“They are negotiating with private land owners on the west side of the lake (for an access point). This is more of a proposal coming to us, wanting our okay, as GVAC, that you can move forward,” says Mund.

Mund says the property owners will cover all of the costs.

“There is no cost to RDNO,” says Mund.

He says GVAC directors will discuss a request to support the plan at its next meeting in February.

by Corey Fischer

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