BC Hydro has filed a petition in the B.C. Supreme Court alleging that a family of ranchers in Vanderhoof, B.C., is preventing access to properties necessary for the North Coast Transmission Line project. The $6-billion project, designated as “nation-building” by the federal government, is being hindered by the actions of Kenneth Fawcett, Carolyn Fawcett, and others, who are accused of obstructing crews from conducting essential maintenance and construction work.
The family in question, who owns Little Valley Farms, a longstanding beef producer, is headed by Kenneth Fawcett, also serving as the president of the BC Breeder and Feeder Association. BC Hydro asserts that the transmission line is crucial for the province’s hydro infrastructure and requires access to the lands for various preparatory tasks such as forestry, archeological surveys, and environmental assessments.
Despite attempts to negotiate with the respondents since 2023, BC Hydro has not been able to secure access agreements like with other landowners along the project’s route. The utility warns that delays in the construction process could lead to adverse consequences, including potential rate increases for customers, economic repercussions, and heightened greenhouse gas emissions.
As of now, the court has yet to rule on the petition, and the respondents have not provided a formal response.