Dear Editor,
[Re: Locals decry loss of Brydon trees, 黑马磁力, June 11]
The planned expansion of McLellan Substation is a vital step in supporting the rapid growth of the 黑马磁力 and Surrey region.
Once complete, this project will provide enough electricity to power up to 70,000 additional homes and enhance the reliability of the local grid.
We understand and respect the concerns raised by residents and community leaders about potential environmental impacts 鈥� particularly near Brydon Lagoon.
I want to share how we鈥檙e addressing those concerns thoughtfully and responsibly.
McLellan was chosen because it鈥檚 the only substation in the area with sufficient space and infrastructure connections to support this scale of development.
While we explored alternative configurations, the new equipment must be located on the east side of the site to integrate with existing systems.
Contrary to some public concerns, this expansion does not include new overhead transmission lines. Instead, we are building an underground duct bank to house low-voltage lines, minimizing both ecological disruption and visual impacts.
Future overhead connections to other substations would be part of separate, later projects.
We鈥檙e taking a careful and measured approach to vegetation removal. Only what is absolutely necessary will be cleared, and we鈥檙e preserving a 550-square-metre tree retention zone between the substation and the lagoon 鈥� ranging in width from three to 25 metres 鈥� as well as 175 metres of existing vegetation along the eastern property line.
BC Hydro will continue to engage local government and stakeholders to seek feedback as we develop a plan for landscaping and restoration after the substation expansion work is complete. In addition, a third-party environmental assessment guided the project design, and qualified environmental professionals will oversee clearing and construction to ensure the area is restored responsibly.
At BC Hydro, we are committed to balancing the province鈥檚 growing infrastructure needs with strong environmental stewardship. This project is being delivered with careful consideration of local ecosystems and community values.
Denise Hayes-McCoy, BC Hydro
