BC Hydro will construct more than $1.25 billion worth of capital projects in Burnaby over the next decade, the provincial government has announced.

The projects mostly involve substation expansions and a new substation in Metrotown.

Provincially-owned BC Hydro serves as the province’s electrical utility. The investment is designed to upgrade and expand the electricity grid, and provide clean power for homes and businesses in growing communities.

“We must build out B.C.’s electrical system like never before, to power our homes and businesses, to power a growing economy and to power our future,” said Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Jose Osborne in a news release.

“In Burnaby and communities across B.C., these construction projects will create thousands of good jobs over the next decade and ensure that people have access to clean, affordable and reliable electricity – when they need it and where they need it.”

The projects are tied to BC Hydro’s updated 10-year capital plan unveiled in January. The updated plan contains $36 billion in regional and community infrastructure investments throughout B.C., marking a 50% increase in investments over the previous capital plan.

B.C. Hydro is investing in several projects the Brentwood, Metrotown and Burquitlam/Lougheed communities, which have experienced significant growth due to several multi-family developments and other projects. The utility is also forecasting industrial growth in the Big Bend and Lake City areas.

Pictured: Horne Payne substation in Burnaby, one of the BC Hydro electrical facilities that will receive an upgrade over the next decade.

Photo: Omicron