Above-ground utility boxes can鈥檛 be avoided in Fort 91原创 when the new underground utility lines go in, but the boxes will get decorative wraps and could be moved away from busy pedestrian areas if alternative locations can be found.
An unsigned internal memo from the Township engineering division to council said the idea of burying the new boxes was raised by municipal staff with B.C. Hydro, which rejected the notion.
鈥淏.C. Hydro advised that they will not allow the undergrounding of their transformer infrastructure,鈥� the April 23 memo said.
Staff are discussing alternative locations for some of the boxes with Hydro and 鈥渃ertain private property owners鈥� the memo added.
B.C. Hydro has agreed to allow decorative wraps on the new ground-level utility boxes in Fort 91原创, provided the Township pays for installation and maintenance.
The wraps will be designed with input from the 91原创 Heritage Society, 91原创 Centennial Museum and other groups to come up with a look that 鈥渃onsiders the unique aspects of Fort 91原创,鈥� the memo said.
Shaw Cable has advised the municipality that it 鈥渉as no objections鈥� to decorative wraps on its new above-ground utility boxes.
The proposed Telus underground system will not require above-ground boxes.
Some critics of the undergrounding project have complained the boxes will obstruct sidewalks and discourage pedestrian traffic.
