Public Feedback

In June and July 2021, we reached out to residents and businesses in Riverdale and several stakeholder groups to let them know of our plans for the Riverside substation. We also hosted two public meetings, and two events along the Millennium Trail to gather input from recreational users of the area. Comments and questions about the project were also collected by phone, email and an online comment form on our website.

In total, we received 53 comments about the project during the engagement period. The most common themes of comments, questions and concerns we heard were about:

• Noise – substation and generator noise
• Tree removal – aesthetics, habitat loss, intrinsic value, noise dampening and cumulative effects
• Project support – support for the project with no concern identified
• Environment (general) – biodiversity loss, riparian areas, habitat loss, construction times and migratory birds, and wildlife interaction with the station

Here’s how we’re moving forward with those considerations in mind.

Noise

We’re building a sound wall around the new transformer. This will reduce noise from the equipment, making it comparable to sound levels from an indoor humidifier.

Work at the substation will happen between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm, Monday to Saturday. During these times, you can expect to hear noise typical of a construction site, but we’ll make sure our work abides by all noise bylaws.

Tree removal

We’re expanding the substation towards Nisutlin Drive onto the area already covered in gravel. This significantly reduces the number of trees that need to be cut and maintains the natural beauty of the Millennium Trail.

The new fence will be built with green slats to help camouflage substation equipment.

Environmental (General)

Some trees need to be removed south of the substation to make room for the new control building and the taller power poles. These trees will be removed before bird nesting starts in May.

Salvage trees will be bucked and left outside the north end of the substation for public collection.

Thank you

Thank you to all of you who shared your time and feedback with us. Our team paid specific attention to those items you told us mattered most as they finalized the design of the substation and transmission upgrades.

If you have more feedback on the Riverside substation upgrade project that you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear it. Please submit your comments through the online Comments form below.