From the Terrace Standard
Residents in parts of northwestern B.C. can expect to see low-flying helicopters over the coming months as BC Hydro carries out aerial surveys for the planned North Coast Transmission Line.
A letter sent to customers in the Burns Lake area confirmed that helicopter activity will begin in 2025 and continue through 2026. The flights will take place near existing transmission corridors in the Northwest and may occur multiple times over the course of the two years.
“The helicopters will be flying to the various route options as well as areas where we have identified a leading route,” the notice stated. “Work hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; however, as we’re covering a large area, the helicopters will be in any given area for only a short time. All applicable Transport Canada regulations will be followed.”
The aircraft will be equipped with geophysical equipment designed to collect information about the soil conditions along potential transmission routes. BC Hydro confirmed the flights are part of preparation for the North Coast Transmission Line project.
In a written response to questions, BC Hydro did not provide specifics about the range of the flight path or which other communities may be affected.
“We may fly one area once or multiple times depending on the findings of each flight, necessity, and whether the area is part of the leading route for the project,” the company stated.
The notice, which was distributed to properties in the Burns Lake area, was intended to inform residents and ease any concerns about the nature of the low-level helicopter activity.
The North Coast Transmission Line is part of a broader effort to expand electrical infrastructure in the region to support industrial growth, port development, and greenhouse gas reductions. The project is included in the utility’s 10-Year Capital Plan, which outlines $36 billion in infrastructure investments across the province, including substantial funding for northern B.C.
BC Hydro is planning a major expansion of its transmission system in response to rapid growth in the North Coast’s ports, mining, hydrogen, technology, and liquefied natural gas sectors. With electricity demand projected to exceed current capacity, the utility aims to support economic development and meet future needs.
Key plans include twinning the existing 500-kilovolt line between Prince George and Terrace, extending infrastructure north to the Bob Quinn Substation, and adding new facilities around Prince Rupert. Upgrades to existing lines, substations, and capacitor stations are also proposed. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with Phase 1 in service by 2030 and Phase 2 by 2032.
