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.

Planned marine closures at Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel

Marine traffic closures will be required during our marine crossing power line work for the safety of the public and our crews. There will be a maritime route available around Nelson Island to access the wider Jervis Inlet at all times. We will notify local marinas and commercial marine operators directly. 

We've been working with BC Ferries since spring 2024 to discuss the impacts to their service. To ensure communities remain connected and essential service is maintained, BC Ferries will maintain service by sailing around Nelson Island. BC Ferries will post schedules on their website and update communities through service notices. 

We will notify local marinas and commercial marine operators of the marine traffic closure dates and times directly. 

We continue to work on the timing of the October 2025 marine closure at Jervis Inlet. We will share the closure dates and times as soon as this information is available. 

There will be a subsequent marine closure at Jervis Inlet in the fall of 2026 or the spring of 2027 to install the new power lines. 

At Agamemnon Channel, the work to remove and replace the 138 kV lines is planned for spring 2026 and may require about 18 days of marine closures, about 10 hours per day.

Sunshine Coast Trail

We're working with the Sunshine Coast Trail Board on what trail closures will be required for this project and how they'll be informed.

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