Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
A sub station in West Kelowna. (Image Credit: BC Hydro)
By Vernon Matters staff
Expanding energy

New West K transmission line: preferred route

Apr 15, 2026 | 5:02 PM

BC Hydro has updated West Kelowna City Council on long terms plans for an additional key power transmission line.

Preliminary design of the line’s route and approvals will take two more years.

Public consultation has shown opposition to visual impacts that would be caused by overhead pylons, so underground lines are favoured, as shown in Option 1. Option 2 in the map below shows a proposed route for the line that would be through the Shannon Lake area.

Route options for the transmission line through West Kelowna
Route options for the transmission line through West Kelowna (Image Credit: BC Hydro)

Construction would start in 2029 with completion set for 2032.

Investigation Ongoing
Arrest made in vandalism investigation
3h ago
Criminality Not Ruled Out
Death at Winter Carnival office considered 'suspicious', police ask for public assistance
8h ago
207 km/h
Coldstream man clocked at nearly double the speed limit on Highway 97C
9h ago

The West Kelowna Transmission Project will provide future energy reliability for the Greater Westside.

Staff plan to return to Council following the community meeting with a recommended City response that includes long-term planning objectives.

Council directed staff to schedule and advertise a formal community meeting in May for the purpose of receiving public feedback regarding the BC Hydro Transmission project.

by Vernon Matters staff
View Comments

Other Matters

Expanding energy
New West K transmission line: preferred route
BC Hydro has updated West Kelowna City Council on long terms plans for an additional key power transmission line.Preliminary design of the line's route and approvals will take two more years.Public consultation has shown opposition to visual impacts that would be caused by overhead pylons, so underground lines are favo...
2h ago
Read More
Investigation Ongoing
Arrest made in vandalism investigation
Police have arrested a person believed to be linked to a string of vandalism.Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said a series of property damage incidents involving breaking glass and other vandalism had occurred at Vernon businesses over the past several weeks, and the investigation into these crimes resulted in police identi...
3h ago
Read More
Spring Reopen
Kelowna Rail Trail set to reopen in North End this spring
A section of the Rail Trail in the city's North End, closed since March 2025, is set to reopen this spring.The City of Kelowna says reopening the corridor will require adjustments to its Temporary Outdoor Sheltering site on Weddell Place so the trail can be fully restored for walkers and cyclists.Preparatory work is al...
4h ago
Read More
Infant Care
Fundraiser to bring new neonatal equipment to VJH
A fundraiser has been launched to bring an essential piece of equipment to the local hospital.The Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation (VJHF) kicked off its Spring Campaign Wednesday, April 15.The organization is raising money to purchase a new Giraffe, an essential piece of neonatal equipment that mimics the womb and he...
6h ago
Read More
Criminality Not Ruled Out
Death at Winter Carnival office considered 'suspicious', police ask for public assistance
Criminality has not been ruled out in a local death, and police are asking the public for help with the investigation.At approximately 8:45 p.m. Thursday, April 9, police responded to a report of a deceased person found inside the Vernon Winter Carnival office."A determination of criminality has not been made at t...
8h ago
Read More
Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grant Program
RDNO Agricultural Park restoration work supported by water group grant
The group that promotes water conservation and protection in the region is supporting a local project.The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has committed grant funding to the Regional District of North Okanagan for restoration work at Hog's Gulch in the sncematqtn Agricultural Park.The OBWB said the money, provided thr...
8h ago
Read More
Big Names
Alexisonfire, April Wine lead second wave of Rock The Lake 2026 lineup
Kelowna's Rock The Lake Music Festival has added its second wave of artists for 2026.Canadian alt-rock band Alexisonfire are set to headline the July 10-12 event in downtown Kelowna around Prospera Place.The latest announcement also includes April Wine, Glass Tiger and tribute act The Hip Replacements, joining previous...
9h ago
Read More
Input Needed
Kelowna seeks public input on potential Glenmore-area growth study
The City of Kelowna is asking residents for feedback on a potential future growth area as part of its long-term planning work.A short online survey is now open for land north of Glenmore Road, between the Glenmore landfill and Lake Country, which has been identified for further study as a possible expansion area. The r...
9h ago
Read More
207 km/h
Coldstream man clocked at nearly double the speed limit on Highway 97C
B.C. Highway Patrol is reminding people to drive to the speed limit after catching a Coldstream man going almost twice the highway speed.Police said a 29-year-old man from Coldstream was clocked going 207 km/h in a 110 km/h zone on Highway 97C near Elkhart on April 1."That's obviously a dangerous speed, and nowher...
9h ago
Read More

What Matters

Investigation Ongoing
Arrest made in vandalism investigation
3h ago
Criminality Not Ruled Out
Death at Winter Carnival office considered 'suspicious', police ask for public assistance
8h ago
207 km/h
Coldstream man clocked at nearly double the speed limit on Highway 97C
9h ago
Tax Expansion Plan
City of Vernon joining call opposing PST extension
13h ago
Aging Infrastructure
UBCO study helps prioritize bridge repairs amid climate, aging risks
Apr 14, 2026