BC Hydro Proposes Going Underground to Meet Vancouver’s Electricity Needs

BC Hydro Proposes Going Underground to Meet Vancouver's Electricity Needs

January 23, 2017

BC Hydro is introducing “seed,” a proposed concept to upgrade downtown Vancouver’s electricity infrastructure while funding new community amenities like new schools, daycare spaces and park upgrades. Demand for electricity in downtown Vancouver is expected to grow by over 75% in the next 30 years owing to population and densification.

BC Hydro currently has three substations in the downtown core. The first is Cathedral Square substation, which will be upgraded and continue to be an important part of the system. The others, built in 1947 and 1953, are nearing end of life and need to be replaced.

With “seed,” BC Hydro is the first utility in North America to consider a new, city-wide approach, proposing to build two new substations underground so the space above them can be used for new schools, new daycare spaces and improved parks. The traditional approach to building substations is to find and buy a piece of land, and build a substation on top of it. In downtown Vancouver, this would mean taking up almost half a city block for each new site, displacing other needs such as housing in a growing city where land is scarce and valuable.

BC Hydro was the first utility to build an underground substation in North America. This substation was built in downtown Vancouver and has been safely operating since 1984. Other communities like Toronto (2017) and Anaheim (2007) are now doing the same.

At this stage, the concept has been shared with the City of Vancouver, the Vancouver School Board and Vancouver Park Board for their consideration. BC Hydro is also seeking feedback from the public from January 20 to February 28 through an online feedback form, open houses and roundtable discussions. A decision on whether to proceed is expected by the end of March.

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Luxxbox Launches Quick Ship Program to Accelerate Project Timelines

    Luxxbox Launches Quick Ship Program to Accelerate Project Timelines

    July 16, 2025 Luxxbox announces the launch of its new Quick Ship Program, designed to provide architects, designers, and project managers in the United States and Canada with expedited access to a curated selection of their most in-demand acoustic lighting products. With a two-week turnaround from order to dispatch, the program ensures that project timelines… Read More…

  • ECS Earns Platinum Status for 8th Consecutive Year in Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program

    ECS Earns Platinum Status for 8th Consecutive Year in Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program

    July 16, 2025 Electrical Cable Supply (ECS), Canada’s largest independently owned wire and cable distributors, is proud to announce its re-certification with the prestigious Platinum designation in Deloitte’s Canada’s Best Managed Companies program for the eighth consecutive year. This announcement recognizes ECS’s sustained excellence in strategy, innovation, culture, and strong financial performance. The Canada’s Best… Read More…

  • Nexans Canada Partners with Skills Compétences Canada to Sponsor WorldSkills Team Canada 2026

    Nexans Canada Partners with Skills Compétences Canada to Sponsor WorldSkills Team Canada 2026

    July 16, 2025 Nexans has announced its partnership with Skills Compétences Canada (SCC), a not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies. As part of the partnership, Nexans will sponsor WorldSkills Team Canada 2026 as they prepare to compete at the 48th WorldSkills Competition, taking place in Shanghai, China, from September 22 to 27, 2026. “At Nexans,… Read More…

  • OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    July 14, 2025 With renewed funding by Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, the OEL Apprentice Success Project is now available for another year until March 2026. The project is part of OEL’s Employer Engagement Program (EEP) consisting of wage, training, and equipment subsidies for apprentices. These funding opportunities are available to OEL Members and non-Members. For… Read More…