BC Hydro may have a role in the upgrading and beautification of Shuswap Avenue.
District council has asked staff to investigate the potential of having power lines/utilities placed underground on Shuswap Avenue and Main Street.
The district is currently embarking on a project to upgrade Shuswap with the construction of sidewalks, lighting, drainage and gutters. Not included in the existing plan is the burying of power lines. However, BC Hydro, through a beautification fund, offers one-third funding towards the cost of removing power poles and putting power lines underground.
With construction of sidewalks expected to begin in September, Coun. Janna Simons asked if the district would proceed if there was a possibility to put power underground, suggesting they be done at the same time. Coun. Todd Kyllo enthusiastically agreed.
“I don’t think we should be going ahead and spending any money on Shuswap Avenue without putting the lines in the ground,” said Kyllo.
Interim district administrator Tim Palmer agreed it would make sense to do the power lines on Shuswap in conjunction with the sidewalk project. However, he also cautioned the amount BC Hydro contributes is limited. Regardless, council approved a resolution to have staff determine possible costs and report back.