A Message from BC Hydro regarding Jervis Inlet Marine Traffic Closure
This closure is required to ensure public and crew safety while we complete overhead power line work.
Schedule
Marine users are advised to plan for restrictions from Tuesday, October 14, to Friday, October 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The contingency dates are Saturday, October 18 to Sunday, October 26. Please note that dates are subject to change at any time based on weather, site conditions, and other factors.
Planned work
BC Hydro is removing the 138 kV power line spanning Jervis Inlet. The line will be removed using a cut-and-drop method, which involves severing the conductors and allowing them to fall down. The conductors will then be retrieved using a large barge with cable reels.
Location
A 3 km stretch of Jervis Inlet between Saltery Bay and Vanguard Bay will be closed to marine vessels. The area will maintain 1.5 km clearance on both sides of the transmission line.
Available navigation channels
A marine route around Nelson Island through the Agamemnon Channel will be available at all times.
A designated Safe Navigation channel will be reopened on the north side of the channel as soon as there is sufficient clearance from the shoreline for marine traffic, subject to clearance by safety vessels.
Marine traffic must maintain a minimum distance of 300 metres from the barge performing conductor retrieval.
Public safety
We ask that the public avoid the areas indicated in the map below to ensure their safety and the safety of our crews.
- Exclusion zone: A 300-metre exclusion zone will be in place around the anchor towers on both sides of Jervis Inlet to maintain a safe environment. This exclusion zone will also encompass the waterway below the power lines.
- Marine traffic closure area: A 3 km stretch of Jervis Inlet between Saltery Bay and Vanguard Bay will be closed to marine vessels. This area includes a buffer zone to ensure that our safety vessels can intercept any incoming marine vessels that may be unaware of the closure.
- Sunshine Coast Trail closures: Sunshine Coast Trail closures are also in place until January 31, 2026, to accommodate project related work in the Jervis Inlet North area.
VHF radio communications
VHF radio broadcasts on Channel 68 will notify marine users of:
- Upcoming restrictions: Any activities that will restrict navigation shall be broadcast at least thirty (30) minutes prior to any proposed restriction; and
- Available passage: Reopening of transit routes via the safe navigation channel shall be broadcast when safe clearances are available.
Safety vessels will also monitor VHF channels 11 and 16 while work is underway.
Safety vessels
Marine users are asked to use call sign “Safety Ranger” on VHF Channel 68 to contact the safety vessels.
Site contact
Mary Anne Coules
BC Hydro
250-608-1885
Alternate contact
Nubia Budau
604-916-8903