Victoria to Esquimalt Cable Replacement Project

We're constructing an oil-free cable within a duct bank to replace an existing direct-buried cable filled with mineral oil.

The existing underground cable will be removed once the new cable is in-service.

The Greater Victoria area has four transmission circuits that serve about 160,000 BC Hydro customers. Two of those circuits have either been upgraded or are in satisfactory condition. 

One circuit that was installed in 1980 has widespread cable corrosion, which was discovered during an August 2023 cable failure and repair beside the Gorge Waterway. This emergency project will replace that cable with the latest technology to ensure safety and reliability for decades.

The last Greater Victoria transmission circuit (running from Victoria to Saanich) is at moderate risk of failure. A separate project is underway to replace that circuit by 2028.

This project is about 2.7 kilometres long and runs between the Horsey Substation off Topaz Avenue, within the City of Victoria, and the Esquimalt Substation off Dominion Street, within the Township of Esquimalt. The route includes a submarine crossing along the bottom of the Gorge Waterway.

The project is located within the territories of Cowichan Tribes, Esquimalt Nation, Halalt First Nation, Lake Cowichan First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, Pauquachin First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, Songhees Nation, Stz’uminus First Nation, Tsartlip First Nation, Tsawout First Nation, and Tseycum First Nation. BC Hydro has engaged these communities and will continue to work with them throughout the project.

We will continue to consult with First Nations and engage with the Victoria and Esquimalt communities, including local governments, government agencies, neighbourhood associations, environmental groups, business organizations, and the general public.
 

Victoria to Esquimalt cable replacement project map

Select the project map [PDF, 800 KB] to view it at a larger size.