Kingsvale Electricity Transmission Line Successfully Energized

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On August 31, 2020, the Kingsvale Electricity Transmission line, located south of Merritt in the Nicola Valley, British Columbia, was successfully energized. With this milestone, Valard Construction LP (Valard) and the Lower Nicola Indian Band Development Corp. (LNIBDC) will begin operating and maintaining the Kingsvale Electricity Transmission Line, as partners.

The 138-kV transmission line connects to BC Hydro’s distribution line to provide additional power to Trans Mountain’s existing Kingsvale pump station, as well as to a new Kingsvale pump station, as part of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.

“We are excited about the energization of this transmission line – it marks an important step towards this project being the first electricity transmission line to be majority-owned, operated, maintained and financed by an Indigenous group in Canada. We look forward to the economic benefits this project provides as well as continuing to build a relationship with Trans Mountain and our partner Valard that is based upon on trust, respect and teamwork” says Stuart Jackson, Chair of LNIBDC.

“We are very proud of this milestone for LNIBDC, Valard, and Trans Mountain. This has been a very unique partnership, and LNIBDC will benefit tremendously through the operation and maintenance of the Kingsvale Electricity Transmission Line. As we move forward with the Expansion Project, we are proud to be creating partnerships for Indigenous communities and are committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we build and operate” says Ian Anderson, President, and CEO of Trans Mountain.

“I would like to congratulate and thank each and every employee, contractor, and partner that contributed to the safe and successful completion of this project! We cherish the relationships we form on all of our projects, but we’re especially pleased with the one we have with LNIBDC and we plan to cultivate and grow it well into the future” says Barkley Adams, President & CEO, Valard Group of Companies.

Valard Construction, a Quanta Services company, is Canada’s premier utility contractor, as well as head of the Valard Group of Companies. Valard has full-service capabilities for transmission, distribution, substations, foundations, telecommunications, and renewable energy.

Lower Nicola Indian Band Development Corp. Will Own and Operate the New Kingsvale Electricity Transmission Line

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Partnership with Trans Mountain and Valard Construction will Create New Economic Opportunities

The Lower Nicola Indian Band Development Corporation (LNIBDC) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a partnership with Trans Mountain and Valard Construction LP (Valard) to build, own, operate and maintain the new 24-kilometre Kingsvale Electricity Transmission Line that will run through the Lower Nicola Indian Band’s traditional territory.

The 138-kV transmission line will connect from BC Hydro’s distribution line and provide additional power to Trans Mountain’s existing Kingsvale pump station, as well as a new Kingsvale pump station, as part of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.

“This will be the first electricity transmission line to be constructed, majority-owned, operated, maintained and financed by an Indigenous group in Canada. This project will provide valuable economic benefits to the Lower Nicola Indian Band,” says Kevin Ainsworth, General Manager of LNIBDC.

LNIBDC holds a majority interest in partnership with Valard and has negotiated a 20-year contract with Trans Mountain Canada Inc. to construct the transmission line and interconnection to BC Hydro, as well as own, operate and maintain the line, with the potential of renewing the contract for an additional 20 years.

“We are proud to partner with LNIB and Valard on this unique project, which will provide direct and lasting economic opportunities. We are committed to ensuring that Indigenous communities share in the benefits of the Expansion Project and the partnerships we are creating are based on trust, respect and collaboration,” says Ian Anderson, President and CEO of Trans Mountain Corporation.

“We are extremely pleased to be the selected partner in this exciting project. Valard looks forward to working directly with LNIB, Trans Mountain and local Community partners through all phases of this project in support of local economic opportunities and development,” says Barkley Adams, CEO of Valard.

Construction of the transmission line will commence in a series of phased activities along the utility right-of-way through Kingsvale beginning no sooner than February 2020 and is expected to be completed by August 2020.

LNIBDC and its partner Valard will start operating and maintaining the Kingsvale Electricity Transmission Line when construction is completed on behalf of Trans Mountain for a minimum of a year. The transfer of ownership will occur after a separate regulatory process has been completed.

Valard Construction, a Quanta Services company, is Canada’s premier utility contractor, as well as head of the Valard Group of Companies. Valard has full-service capabilities for transmission, distribution, substations, foundations, telecommunications and renewable energy. www.valard.com

 

Contacts:
Kevin Ainsworth, General Manager
LNIB Development Corporation
604-763-1844

Steve Sousa,
Chief Commercial Officer
Valard Construction
403-279-1003

2020-02-27 For Immediate Release – LNIB Development Corp New Kingsvale Electricity Transmission Line