Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel Power Line Replacement Project

There are 138 kV and 230 kV power lines that deliver electricity to substations serving about 10,000 customers within the City of Powell River and surrounding area, including Cortes Island and Texada Island.

We're replacing the 138 kV power line and aviation marker balls that cross Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel because the power line is at a high risk of failure due to its age and ocean spray corrosion. The 138 kV power line marine crossings will be upgraded to 230 kV standards by spring 2027.

We plan to replace the 230 kV power line and the aviation marker balls at the two marine crossings at a later date.

We've been consulting with shíshálh Nation and engaging with key stakeholders about the project.

This project will maintain public safety for the marine area below the power lines, enhance visibility of the lines for air traffic, and ensure electricity reliability for our customers in Powell River and the surrounding areas.

The Jervis Inlet crossing is located about 2.5 kilometres east of Saltery Bay and crosses to the north side of Nelson Island. The Agamemnon Channel crossing is located about 1.5 kilometres southwest of Earls Cove and crosses to the south side of Nelson Island. The project work will impact the wider community beyond these areas through planned power outages, marine closures under the power lines during power line construction, and temporary closures to parts of the Sunshine Coast Trail.

Marine traffic closure, October 14 to 17, 2025

A marine traffic closure will be in place for Jervis Inlet from Tuesday, October 14 to Friday, October 17, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. This is to ensure public and crew safety while overhead power line work is underway. Contingency dates are scheduled from Saturday, October 18 to Sunday, October 26.

Daily communications protocol

A daily communications protocol will be established to provide regular updates on the status of the work and marine traffic closures. Details will be shared in early October.

Boater safety during closures

Pilot boats will be stationed on both sides of the marine crossing to alert boaters who may not be aware of the closure.

Access to Jervis Inlet

During the closure, a marine route around Nelson Island will remain available to access the wider Jervis Inlet.

BC Ferries – Saltery Bay to Earls Cove Route

To maintain essential service and community connectivity during the marine traffic closure in Jervis Inlet, BC Ferries will reroute sailings around Nelson Island. Updated schedules will be posted at bcferries.com, and they'll share the information with service notice subscribers once the updated schedule is available. BC Ferries expects to post the updated schedule and issue a service notice by Friday, September 26.

To subscribe to BC Ferries service notices:

1. Log in or create an account at bcferries.com.
2. Go to "My Subscriptions."
3. Open the "Service Notices" drop-down.
4. Subscribe to Saltery Bay-Earls Cove alerts.

Detailed instructions are available at BC Ferries' website.

Sunshine Coast Trail closures

Sunshine Coast Trail closures will be in effect from September 29, 2025, to January 31, 2026 to support access road construction, tree clearing, and removal of the 138 kV power line. These closures are necessary to ensure the safety of the public and our crews.

An alternate route will be available at all times via the Saltery Bay FSR Branch 01 to Rainy Day Lake as well as the upper trail to Elephant Lake and Lois Lake.

A tentative schedule is provided below, but this is subject to change as we confirm project plans.