BCTC is responsible for operating, planning and managing BC Hydro’s high voltage electric transmission grid. As the system owner of the transmission lines, BC Hydro acquires certain rights from landowners on behalf of BCTC. BCTC maintains more than 18,000 kilometres of transmission lines - nearly enough to travel two and a half times across Canada. These lines carry power from BC Hydro’s generating stations to substations that distribute the power to customers throughout the province and interconnects to systems in Alberta and U.S.
Compatible Uses
Because of the close relationship between BCTC and BC Hydro, we have developed a joint process for managing proposals to utilize lands within the right-of-way. The Compatible Use Guidelines explain the relationship between the owners and the two utilities. The relationship, which we call Partners in Use, describes the process for reviewing proposals for uses within the right-of-way. Public safety, system reliability and planning for future requirements are the main criteria by which all proposals are evaluated. The ground under these lines must be kept clear at all times in order to ensure British Columbians enjoy a safe, secure and reliable source of electricity.
Transmission rights-of-way can contribute to communities through the development of greenways, recreational corridors, and agricultural uses. By working with landowners, local governments, public agencies and interest groups to use rights-of-way BCTC has helped to develop a network of rights-of-way that is compatible with public safety and security of the transmission system.
BCTC-maintained rights-of-way include Crown, Indian reserve land, and private holdings that are used for a variety of compatible uses. Some examples of compatible uses are: access, greenways, commercial purposes such as tree farms and parking, recreation and wildlife habitat.
BCTC and BC Hydro have developed a program, Partners in Use, for using transmission rights-of-way (ROWs) for activities that are compatible with public safety and the security of the transmission system. These activities may include:
- secondary uses such as parking lots
- pipeline crossings
- walking trails
- playing fields
- golf courses
- other community amenities
Depending on the proposed use of the right-of-way, there are various procedures and guidelines to follow in order to maintain the safety of the transmission system. To help you determine which of activities are allowed on or off the ROW, we have developed the Rights of Way Guidelines for Compatible Use (PDF, 1 MB).
Use this document to learn about compatible uses, guidelines for accessing and using the ROW, and procedures for working with BCTC and BC Hydro.
Please Respect Private Property
Transmission lines run through corridors, which BCTC manages according to specific property rights acquired by BC Hydro from the land owners. Such property rights are known as statutory rights-of-way or easements.
On occasion, some members of the public use transmission rights-of-way for snowmobiling, ATVing, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities. While some of these rights-of-way are on public land, others are privately owned. It is important to remember that property owners have granted certain rights to BC Hydro, including the right to build, maintain and access the transmission lines. However, these rights do not extend to public access.
Any individual travelling along transmission rights-of-way without the property owner’s consent is subject to the same laws of trespass as if they were trespassing on any other private property. Please do not use transmission rights-of-way unless you have the consent of the appropriate property owner.
Guidelines for Development Near Overhead Transmission Lines
BCTC has developed guidelines which provide advice to to property owners, developers, planners and designers on how to develop near overhead transmission lines considering aesthetics, vegetation and scale as well as public safety and system security needs.
A ROW on private property can create opportunities for individual property owners to enjoy larger lot sizes with the potential for large gardens and outdoor spaces, while the use of public ROW corridors for public amenities such as walking trails, playing fields, and bicycle paths contributes to attractive communities which in turn serves to enhance neighbourhood appeal and residents’ property values.
Please go to this link for more information: Guidelines for Development Near Overhead Transmission Lines (PDF, 3.4MB)