The Sea to Sky Gondola has applied to the province to allow the construction of a 25 kV electrical line for the gondola in an effort to switch to ‘reliable, clean, domestic power’. A new access road network will also accompany this electrification project. The application is currently open for comments, and commenting will close on March 9.
According to a management plan filed by the gondola, the design of the 25 kV overhead line will consist largely of single pole structures except at some large crossings where multiple poles will be constructed. The overhead line is approximately 5.5 km and consists of approximately 82 structures. These Douglas fir poles will be approximately 45 to 80 feet in height depending on clearance needs.
Christy Allen, a media relations person for the gondola, said that since the opening, the operations at the summit have been powered through diesel generators.
“We have been diligently pursuing electrification in an effort to become much more environmentally sustainable. The switch to reliable, clean, domestic power will eliminate carbon emissions along with generator noise at the summit. Over the lifespan of the power line we will save 20,000 tons of GHG emissions,” she said.
In order to construct the 25 kV overhead line and clear the proposed License of Occupation area, some roads will need to be constructed. The road network will mainly consist of existing maintained Forest Service Roads but four short access trails will need to be constructed to gain access for the project.
The application is under review and no decision has been made.
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