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Alta Vista Utility Undergrounding Project
Frequently Asked Questions
Contents
November 27, 2020 Questions ..................................................................................................................... 2
September 23, 2020 Questions .................................................................................................................... 3
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Q&A Package November 27, 2020Alta Vista Utility Undergrounding Project
Frequently Asked Questions
November 27, 2020 Questions
What is the scope of work on private land, I am currently building a house and want to know my
options for work on my land at this point?
Homeowners should discuss with their contractor, the feed from public land can go underground
at this time effectively avoiding undergrounding work on private land later as the project
progresses.
If the neighbourhood wide petition fails can owners move forward street by street if there is
sufficient positive support on a particular street?
Yes. If the neighbourhood wide petition fails to pass, a new petition on a street by street basis
can proceed. The new petition would require a new letter to council to proceed with a formal
petition and the BC Hydro grant, if approved for the neighbourhood, would be reduced.
Since the service to my home is already underground will I need to do anymore work on my
land besides hooking up to the new underground feed?
Dependent upon the final BC Hydro design there may be minor work required to align current
underground feeds to the new underground infrastructure ducting.
Have any of the neighbours reached out to electrical contractors to get pricing for work on
private lands?
Costs for work on private lands will vary property by property based on the current layout and
physical features of each property. It is too early in the process to get estimates on this work.
There is a lot of work going on in the neighbourhood right now. With this work expected to take
place 2022 and 2023 what are the plans for maintaining the roads between the current
wastewater project and this one?
The RMOW will place one lift of asphalt on the streets between projects and construction
phases.
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Q&A Package November 27, 2020Alta Vista Utility Undergrounding Project
Frequently Asked Questions
September 23, 2020 Questions
Communications
To receive information or a petition package via email for this project please send the email
communication consent form from the web page to altavistaunderground@gmail.com
1.1 Will the names, addresses and votes remain confidential?
The voting is confidential. Alta Vista community reps are not provided any information about
who has voted in favour or not. The final results of the petition will be rolled up into a single %
value of those in favour and a separate single percentage of property value will be issued
publicly.
Background and Scope
2.1 Who initiated this project?
Alta Vista Property Owners representing a majority of Alta Vista properties requested that the
RMOW initiate a formal petition to relocate existing overhead utilities underground.
2.2 What is the scope of the Alta Vista Utility Undergrounding Project?
Alta Vista Utility Undergrounding Project will include completion of a local government petition
process for homeowner approval to proceed with the project. This project will include
approximately 2 kilometres of overhead utility lines (power and communication lines) to be
placed underground in Whistler’s Alta Vista neighbourhood and removal of all overhead utility
lines and poles on public property.
If the petition phase is successful, the project will continue with detailed design and refined cost
estimate, tendering services and construction. The project is expected to take two and a half
years to complete: planning, preliminary design and permitting proceeding in the first year
followed by final design, contract tendering and partial construction in the second year and
project wrap up the following year.
2.3 What work will the project cover within the scope of the petition?
Project work will only include work on public land. This includes the relocation of all overhead
utilities (BC Hydro, Telus, Shaw) underground, civil infrastructure work, installation of
transformers, utility pole removal, and associated project activities. Telus and Shaw will also
participate to underground their services.
2.4 What work will the project NOT cover?
During construction all overhead utility services on public right of ways will be removed and the
option to maintain overhead service as status quo does not exist.
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The project excludes all work on private land such as connecting residences to the new
underground system, trenching, running electric and communication lines from the main line to
the dwelling, work on the meter, landscaping or added civil work.
Each property owner will be required to hire an electrician to define the work required on their
specific properties. The electrician will submit information to BC Hydro on behalf of the
homeowner. BC Hydro’s electrical service fees can be reviewed here:
https://app.bchydro.com/accounts-billing/electrical-connections/charges-fees.html. All charges
from an electrician and any required permits for alteration work on private lands are not included
in BC Hydro’s fees and will be billed to the property owner directly by the service provider.
Home owners must contact an electrician to coordinate any work required on private lands with
BC Hydro, home owners are not to contact BC Hydro directly.
Budget, Costs and Financial
3.1 What is the total estimate for this project?
An estimate for the project will be developed during the petition phase and will be issued in the
petition letter in 2021.
3.2 In what tax year would the parcel area tax take effect?
The tax year after completion of the project, currently projected to be July 2024.
3.3 After the project is complete are the Hydro rates the same as all the other users in
BC?
Yes, BC hydro rates will be the same as all other residents of BC.
3.4 Once the petition has passed, is there any chance of a project cost overrun that
would be passed on to the homeowners?
Every project has cost risk. The costs that will be outlined in the petition will be based on high
level preliminary cost estimates and are not absolute.
3.5 What does “Issue for Tender” mean?
Once a final design and cost estimate is developed, the construction work to be completed by
contractors will be publicly issued to the Provincial Government’s BC Bid website and the
RMOW website where construction contractors can review the work and provide a proposal to
complete the work. Through this tender process the project team will be able to review all
proposals to select the proposal that best meets cost, safety, quality and environmental
expectations for the planned work.
3.6 What is the interest rate on the loan?
As of September 23, 2020, the interest rate is 1.49% for 10 years with a resetting of the rate
every 5 years thereafter. Note that the interest rate is subject to change up to the date the funds
are actually secured.
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3.7 Are there options for property owners to pay their service area tax in different ways?
Owners may choose to pay their portion of the service area tax as a single lump sum value in
the first year after construction or;
Some owners may choose to defer their service area tax through the property tax deferral
process as long as they qualify under the Provincial program.
a. Details of the regular program can be found at:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/property-taxes/annual-property-tax/defer-
taxes/regular-program
b. Details of the families with children program can be found at:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/property-taxes/annual-property-tax/defer-
taxes/families-children-program
Owners may choose to pay their service area tax as part of their annual property tax payment.
This amount would remain as part of the property tax payment for the life of the loan repayment
schedule.
3.8 Are the costs of relocating communication utilities (Telus /Shaw) included in the
project costs?
Yes. The costs of relocating the existing public overhead Telus and Shaw services underground
are covered in the total cost of the project. Work to connect these lines across private property
are the responsibility of the homeowner, and separate from the project
3.9 Are there benefits to BC Hydro such as a reduction in life expectancy replacement
or a reduction of ongoing maintenance cost that should be considered or incorporated
into BC Hydro’s expected cost?
The financial benefit to BC Hydro of the change to underground is included in the grant from BC
Hydro.
3.10 Can a copy of the detailed preliminary estimate be provided on the web site?
A detailed estimate will not be made publicly available as this information could influence
contractor proposals at the project tender stage.
3.11 Are there options for neighbours to partner together and hire a company to provide
quotes for multiple private properties?
This approach is encouraged as it will reduce the overall cost per property. Connect with your
neighbours to plan for this cost savings approach.
3.12 If the petition for this project is unsuccessful can individual streets proceed with
undergrounding their utilities?
Individual streets can petition to underground only their utilities however this would require a
new petition and would result in different parcel tax values per property. The value of any grant
from BC Hydro would also be affected.
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3.13 Are you allowed to cut off an existing service to someone’s household?
If the project proceeds the existing services on public land will be completely removed and
homeowners will need to connect to the new underground service in order to continue receiving
utility service.
3.14 Have you considered that with COVID issues some may not have the same
resources available to them as before?
While the concern around cost and the impact of Covid-19 has been recognized and discussed
the process was initiated by Alta Vista homeowners, if the petition passes there is no option to
opt out of the project. There are options available through the Province for qualifying owners to
defer the parcel tax, or the full annual property tax payment to future years.
Schedule and Implementation Plan
4.1 How will the Alta Vista Utility Undergrounding Project be completed?
The RMOW has hired C. Boehringer & Associates to issue and administer the petition, and on
successful petition. If the petition is successful the project will continue into design
and construction. The project will be completed in 2 phases. Phase 1 of the project includes a
feasibility design study which includes a preliminary cost estimate and formal petition process. If
the petition is successful Phase 2 will proceed and include detailed design, tendering and
construction.
The schedule table below will be further detailed if the petition passes and the project proceeds
to Phase 2.
Phase 1 Petition 2021
Phase 2 – Detailed Design and cost estimate 2022
Construction Issue for Tender (a formal public 2022
tender process to ensure competitive bids)
Construction Contracts Issued 2022
Construction of Underground Utilities 2023
Anticipated Project Completion (drawings, 2024
document wrap up, contract payments)
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4.2 Can you provide information on the development of the design by placing drawings
in PDF format on the web site for viewing by the property owners, for the following?
Electrical system drawings may need to be withheld in order to protect the integrity of the
electrical system. When drawings are progressed BC Hydro will be consulted to confirm if the
drawings can be made publicly available.
4.3 Do the design drawings identify the location of the transformer bases or poles on
each property?
When design drawings are progressed to a greater level of detail, they will include planned
equipment locations at the property line.
4.4 Do property owners have the right to move the location of the transformer bases?
There will be limited opportunities to adjust where transformer bases can be placed. The base
locations will be defined by electrical requirements and restrictions imposed by other
underground services and by natural impediments.
4.5 Are there other works planned in the Alta Vista for the next 20 years?
Future construction work in Alta Vista is expected to include maintenance of existing services.
4.6 How is the construction sequence planned in order to deal with property access?
Sequencing remains to be fully defined based on final design. Residents will be able to access
their properties during non-working hours through the use of steel plates covering the excavated
areas in front of the driveway. The project team will provide advance notice to properties of
which addresses will be affected within a specific time period.
Work on Private Land (Owners responsibility)
5.1 How will the private portion be managed?
Each property owner will manage this work on their own including working with a contractor
directly to fund and complete the work. It is anticipated that owners, if they choose, will be able
to manage all aspects of this work through a General Contactor or an electrician. Homeowners
are NOT to contact BC Hydro directly for this work.
5.2 Does BCHydro require an Electrician to prepare for the service connection or can
the homeowner do it?
BC Hydro will require a permit from an electrician prior to reconnecting service at each home.
The electrician will guide the Homeowner as to what work is required to meet BC Hydro’s
specification.
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5.3 How is the private portion of BC Hydro’s design cost managed? Will an invoice go
from BC Hydro to each customer individually? Will each property have a different design
cost?
Each property may have different design costs depending on the amperage of service they
have, how far the home is from the property line and how many electrical meters they have and
whether they already have underground service, among other considerations. Detail of BC
Hydro connection fees can be found at http://app.bchydro.com/accounts-billing/electrical-
connections/charges-fees.html. These fees do not include the electrical work required to
prepare for the connection.
5.4 There are several homes that already have their utilities underground from the street
to their home. Will there be a connection fee for these homeowners?
If the utility companies are able to install service boxes and redirect the existing underground
ducting on public land there won’t be any charge to the homeowner and the work on public land
will be included in the broader service area tax. If existing underground ducting redirection work
is required on the homeowner’s property there will be an additional charge from the
homeowner’s contractor directly to the homeowner.
5.5 What is the expected timeline for the private portion to be completed?
Private connections to the new underground public service will need to be completed by 2023.
More specific timelines will be available as the detailed design and implementation plans are
completed.
**Note: questions below with double asterisk apply only to
properties that still have overhead service from their building to the
main overhead service
5.6 **What are the estimated costs for homeowners, relating to the “private portion”
connection of utilities from the property line to their residence?
It is estimated that a basic underground connection for a one-hydro meter home, on a flat lot
(excluding landscaping, driveway repair or tree removal if required) will be between $3,500 and
$5,500. This includes the trench excavation, conduit burial, backfill, Electrician and BC Hydro
connection fee. If your property has extensive landscaping or other challenges to going
underground you may choose to place a pole on your property and bring the service up from
new underground service and overhead to your home. This work is projected to cost between
$3,000-$4,500 depending on the distance from the property line and the number of poles
required. Your electrician will be able to discuss options and costs specific to your property.
Note: costs for work on private land is not included in the petition and will be borne by the
homeowners.
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5.7 **What are the general requirements for connecting the underground electrical
service to the house?
If your home is serviced overhead from the main overhead utility lines on the street your meter
base will be a “top entry” and will require replacement with a new “bottom entry” meter base.
This work is to be completed by an electrician which must have a permit for the work. At the
time of connection, a meter will be installed into the new base and your building will be
reconnected to the new underground service.
5.8 **Are there any other options rather than undergrounding on private land?
Yes.
The alternative to undergrounding on private lands is to place a pole on your private property,
add a new bottom entry meter base to the pole and bring the power up from the new
underground service and overhead from the pole to the building. As with the undergrounding
work on private lands, all costs for this work are to be borne by the owner directly and are not
included in the petition costs. It is advisable to look closely at both options (underground or
overhead) to determine costs and aesthetics as it relates to your property.
Note: During the service undergrounding construction, all overhead utility services and poles on
public lands will be removed and the option to utilize existing poles or wires does not exist.
5.9 Do property owners need to complete their work on private land before the
underground work on public land is completed?
It is advisable that the homeowner have the work on their property complete and ready prior to
the utilities connecting to avoid duplication of connecting fees and other work. The homeowners
Electrician can discuss the options, costs and timing.
The Petition
6.1 What are Local Area Services?
A municipality has the authority to provide services such as utilities, sewer or water to specific
areas within the municipality. These local area services are paid for by local property owners in
that area through local service taxes.
6.2 How does a local service area get established?
Each local service area must be established by a bylaw to authorize imposing a property tax to
pay for the service within the local area.
6.3 What is a petition?
A petition is a formal document that allows affected residents to vote on whether they wish to
proceed with the creation of a local service area bylaw.
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6.4 What does the “Petition for Alta Vista Undergrounding” cover?
The Alta Vista Undergrounding Petition is a formal petition to the Resort Municipality of
Whistler (RMOW) Council to establish the Alta Vista Utilities Undergrounding Local Service
Area Bylaw and an associated Loan Authorization Bylaw. In simple terms, a successful
Petition will give the RMOW authority to borrow the funds required to complete the
undergrounding of utility services (Hydro, Shaw and Telus) on public lands, and to recover the
funds through an addition to property taxes of Alta Vista property owners.
6.5 What is the threshold for a positive petition?
The petition must be signed by at least 50% of the property owners representing at least 50% of
the assessed value of land and improvements that would be subjected to the local service tax.
6.6 Why does the RMOW mandate 50% is a majority?
Section 212(3) of the Community Charter defines that the project must receive at least 50%
support from homeowners within the subject area and the value of those supportive properties
must represent at least 50% of the value of all properties within the subject area.
6.7 What is the petition process?
A petition package will be mailed to property owners within the Alta Vista neighbourhood. The
petition package will include:
1. An introductory letter to property Owners,
2. Instructions for completing and submitting the formal petition,
3. The petition, including a plan diagram of properties included in this petition
4. Details on how to find additional information
6.8 If the petition does not proceed are there any costs to the homeowners?
No, if the petition is not successful there will be no cost to the homeowner, costs associated with
Phase 1 of the project will be borne by the RMOW.
6.9 The petition allows for the RMOW to obtain a loan to fund the project. Who is this
loan with?
The petition would create a loan authorization for the RMOW. The loan would be through the
Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) of BC. For more information about the MFA please see
www.mfa.bc.ca
6.10 I would like to vote “No” to this petition, how do I do that?
We are only counting those petitions that are signed and submitted as votes in support of the
petition, if you don't submit your petition at all it is counted as a "No".
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6.11 If a home owner is NOT in favour of the undergrounding project but the criteria to
proceed is met (50% or more of the home owners and 50% of the assessed value), are
all homeowners in Alta Vista still required to participate and pay the associated costs?
If the petition meets the criteria of at least 50% support and at least 50% of the assessed value
then all homeowners in Alta Vista will be required to participate and pay the associated costs. If
the petition passes there is no option to opt out.
Other Questions
7.1 Who owns and maintains the connections between the property line and the house
once the work is complete?
The utilities, (BC Hydro, TELUS and Shaw) will own and maintain the underground
infrastructure on public land, any extensions or splits beyond the connection point will be owned
and maintained by the homeowner.
7.2 How much power disruption will take place during the changeover from overhead to
underground?
This is dependent on a number of factors. There will be outages to all customers at varying
times but this level of detail will be determined through detailed construction planning and will be
advised in advance as necessary.
7.3 Where will the transformers be located relative to property lines?
This will be determined by BC Hydro equipment and their design; however, typically the
transformer would be installed 1m off the property line in the road allowance and near the
property line between two properties. There may be some variation to this but actual details will
be determined at the detailed design stage.
7.4 What is the estimated number of transformers?
Pending the results of the petition, BC Hydro will progress the design which will dictate what
type of transformers and the total number required. The number of transformers will be similar
to the quantity of pole top transformers currently installed.
7.5 There is bedrock in some locations, how deep underground do utilities need to be
buried?
Utilities require a minimum 0.9 m cover over top of the equipment being installed. A
qualified contractor will install infrastructure on private property according to utility
standards.
7.6 Alta Vista Utility Undergrounding Project Information Session
With ongoing COVID – 19 concerns, the Alta Vista Utility Undergrounding project team will host
one virtual meeting prior to the petition and a second one approximately one month after the
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petition is mailed to owners. We will provide more information regarding the project information
session on the project web page.
For more information on this project:
See website: www.whistler.ca/AltaVistaUtilities
Send us an email – altavistaunderground@gmail.com
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