Interior Transmission System Upgrades
We’re planning work on our natural gas system at a number of locations throughout the interior of British Columbia as part of our Interior Transmission System Upgrades project. Similar to the Coastal Transmission System Upgrades project, this work will further enhance the safety and reliability of the system we use to supply natural gas to more than 195,000 homes and businesses. Much of our work throughout Interior BC will take place at rural locations and will have minimal impact on residents and businesses.
Why we're upgrading these gas lines
Our Interior Transmission System includes more than 700 kilometres of gas lines and facilities that move gas throughout BC’s southern interior to communities in the West Kootenay, Okanagan Valley and South Thompson Valley. These lines have an excellent record for both safety and reliability because of the ongoing maintenance work we conduct.
The work planned as part of the Interior Transmission System Upgrades project will enhance our ability to monitor the condition of our lines by allowing us to use new, advanced inspection tools. We will build on our already robust inspection and maintenance activities, increasing our safety standards so we can continue providing reliable service to customers for decades to come.
Construction overview
We’ll be replacing sections of our gas lines and upgrading facilities to allow us to use new inspection tools in our Interior Transmission System. We expect worksites to range in size from about 2.5 metres to 50 metres long. This work will take place at 16 locations on and near existing FortisBC rights of way and facilities in BC’s interior.
Some work may impact nearby roads and paths. We will work directly with stakeholders, Indigenous groups, and nearby homes and businesses to identify and minimize disruptions.
We plan to file our regulatory application for this project with the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) in 2022. If approved, project construction work will occur in 2024-2026 in preparation for the line inspections that will take place 2025-2030.
Construction locations
City of Kamloops
Facility work
- upgrades to our facility off Saskatoon Place
City of Kelowna
Facility work
- upgrades to our facility at the corner of Cary Road and Enterprise Way
City of Penticton
Facility work
- upgrades to our facility on Warren Avenue West and Government Street
City of Vernon
Facility work
- upgrades to our facility along Davidson Road, off Bella Vista Road
Regional District Central Kootenay, Area B
Facility work
- upgrades to our facility off Highway 95 near Barnhardt Road
Regional District Kootenay Boundary, Area B
Facility work
- upgrades to the gas line west of Highway 22, near Riverdale
Regional District Kootenay Boundary Area D
Facility work
- upgrades to our facility along Como Road
Regional District Okanagan Similkameen, Area H
Gas line work
- replace two small sections of gas line within the existing right of way just off Highway 5A northwest of Allison lake
- replace a valve assembly off Highway 5A southeast of Allison Lake
Regional District of Thompson-Nicola, Area J
Gas line work
- replace gas line across Cherry Creek along the existing FortisBC right of way
Facility work
- upgrades to our facility along Tunkwa Lake Road
Regional District of Thompson-Nicola, Area N
Facility work
- upgrades to our facility on Suttie Road, off Coldwater Road
Town of Oliver
Facility work
- upgrades to our facility on Highway 97, near Gallagher Lake
Town of Oliver
Facility work
- upgrades to our facility on Highway 97, near Gallagher Lake
Township of Spallumcheen
Facility work
- upgrades to our two facilities on St. Annes Road
Project timelines and next steps
We're in the early planning stages of this project and engaging with local municipalities, Indigenous groups, landowners and local residents.
We will continue to provide engagement opportunities throughout the project, and can be contacted directly at 1-888-486-0138 and [email protected].
2021
Engagement began
2022
BCUC application filing expected
2023
BCUC decision expected
2024-2026
Construction
2025-2030
Gas line inspections complete
September 30, 2021
Engagement underway to support project planning
Have you spoken with residents, local government and Indigenous communities about this project?
Answered on:
Sep 30, 2021
Who do we contact if we have questions about the project?
Answered on:
Sep 30, 2021
How can I stay updated on the project?
Answered on:
Sep 30, 2021
Is FortisBC planning any other work in my area?
Answered on:
Sep 30, 2021
Will I lose my natural gas service when this work is taking place?
Answered on:
Sep 30, 2021
Our commitment
We believe serving the community is a privilege. That’s why we’re committed to engaging with Indigenous groups, local communities and other stakeholders as we move forward with planning for the Interior Transmission System Upgrades. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
Work is planned for the following communities:
- City of Kelowna
- City of Penticton
- City of Vernon
- Regional District of Central Kootenay
- Regional District of Kootenay Boundary
- Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen
- Regional District of Thompson-Nicola
- Town of Oliver
- Town of Princeton
- Township of Spallumcheen