Capilano Substation
What's new
May 2024
In April, we energized the new Capilano Substation. As project construction activities come to a close, we'll begin work to move the electrical service from the old station to the new station. We'll also convert the circuit's distribution voltage to 25 kV, further increasing our overall service capacity.
We expect this next phase will take about 18 months. After this, we'll begin work to demolish the old substation.
Upcoming Traffic Changes
On June 3, access to Murdo Frazer Park from Woods Drive will be re-opened. After this, there will be a two week transition period where both Elizabeth Way and Woods Drive are open. On June 17, we'll reinstate the bollards to close off Elizabeth Way.
View route map [PDF, 97 KB] for more information.
Park Access Restored in June 2024
The Murdo Frazer Park restoration project will be complete, and the park will reopen to the public in June.
December 2023
The new Capilano Substation switchgear building has been substantially completed. The energization of the substation is scheduled for spring or mid-2024, after which we'll transit the electrical load from the old substation to the new one.
We've started restoration work on the laydown area and are working closely with the District of North Vancouver.
We're on track to return traffic access from Pemberton Avenue and Woods Drive in April 2024.
Check out the images below to see more about this update.
May 2021
As of May 25, 2021, the Murdo Frazer Pitch and Putt can only be accessed from Elizabeth Way. There is no access from Pemberton Drive/Woods Drive. You can view a map here [PDF, 87 KB].
To ensure we continue to provide reliable electricity in North Vancouver, we're upgrading the Capilano Substation by replacing it with a new substation on the western half of the existing site.
The new substation will include:
- Two transformers
- A building for indoor electrical equipment and a control room
- Other associated outdoor electrical equipment in the substation yard
The east side of the substation will continue serving your neighbourhood during construction.
The current Capilano Substation was built in the 1950s and the equipment is aging and needs to be replaced. Substations take electricity from higher voltages and bring it down to a lower voltage in order to supply energy to homes and businesses in your neighbourhood.
We serve approximately 12,000 customers from the Capilano Substation in the area that extends north to the base of Grouse Mountain, south to 1st Street, west to Capilano Road, and east to Lonsdale Avenue.
| Timeline | Milestone |
|---|---|
| April/May 2021 | Setting up our construction work area. |
| June 2021 | Excavation for the new substation. |
| Fall 2021 to fall 2022 | Construction of the new substation building. |
| Fall 2022 to spring 2024 | Receiving, installing and commissioning equipment. |
| Spring 2024 | Energizing the new switchgear building. Reopening road access from Pemberton Avenue and Woods Drive. |
| Mid-2024 to mid-2025 | Gradual cutover of feeders from existing substation to new building. |
| Late 2025 | Decommission the old substation on the east side. |
Reports & documents
- Murdo Frazer Pitch and Putt access restoration - June 2024 [PDF, 97 KB]
- Community engagement summary - December 2018 [PDF, 2.0 MB]
- Project public information session story boards - November 2018 [PDF, 5.0 MB]
- Project factsheet - June 2018 [PDF, 583 KB]
Contact us
If you'd like to learn more about the project, please contact us at:
Email: projects@bchydro.com
Phone: 604 623 4472
Toll free: 1 866 647 3334
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