TO: wkd@gov.bc.ca
CC: cabcdistproj@fortisbc.com
SUBJECT: Open-Cut Crossing Authorization — Blanket Permit 2026-00056 | Fernwood Drive, RDCK Electoral Area J

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Rajeeta Bains / West Kootenay District Permits

We are writing on behalf of the development team for a transformer installation currently underway in RDCK Electoral Area J, Castlegar. FortisBC holds Blanket Permit 2026-00056 for overhead and underground electrical works on secondary/subdivision roads within the West Kootenay District.

We require Ministry authorization to proceed with an open-cut pavement crossing on Fernwood Drive at our service connection point. This is a paved secondary road under MoTI jurisdiction — not a numbered highway.

SITUATION

FortisBC's approved design and Primary Contracting's installation drawings indicated an existing underground conduit crossing beneath Fernwood Drive. Field verification confirmed that conduit is not present. The service cannot be completed by bore or jack through a non-existent path. An open cut is the only viable method to install the required electrical crossing and complete transformer energization for this development.

We are not requesting a policy exception. We are requesting the separate open-cut authorization contemplated under Conditions D and E of Permit 2026-00056, with bore/jack ruled out by field conditions rather than convenience.

LOCATION

  Road:        Fernwood Drive (RDCK Electoral Area J — MoTI maintained)
  Crossing:    [INSERT CROSS-STREET OR CIVIC ADDRESS — e.g. 800 Fernwood Drive]
  Jurisdiction: RDCK Area J / MoTI West Kootenay District
  Permittee:   FortisBC Inc. (Blanket Permit 2026-00056)

PROPOSED WORK

  Activity:    Open-cut trench, install electrical conduit/casing per Utility Policy Manual,
               backfill and restore pavement per Ministry Standard Specifications (Sections 201, 202, 757)
  Depth:       Minimum 1.2 m below road surface (Condition 36)
  Excavation:  Single crossing — [INSERT APPROXIMATE LENGTH] m, one lane closure at a time
  Start date:  [INSERT DATE — allow 7 days from this notice per Condition 2]
  Completion:  Same-day backfill and pavement restoration (Condition 35)
  Hours:       [INSERT — e.g. 07:00–17:00]

COMPLIANCE COMMITMENTS

We will comply with all conditions of Permit 2026-00056, including:

  • 7-day written notice (this email) prior to excavation (Condition 2)
  • H1080 Lane Closure Request submitted [INSERT — attach or state submission date] (Condition 27)
  • Traffic control per MoTI Traffic Management Manual for Work on Roadways (Condition 28)
  • Permit copy on site during all field operations (Condition 45)
  • BC 1 Call locates completed prior to excavation — **DONE** (ticket on file)
  • Commercial General Liability insurance per Condition 23 (FortisBC / contractor coverage)
  • Roadway kept open to traffic; excavation limited to 45 m open at one time (Condition 5)
  • Granular backfill and compaction per Section 202, 95% Proctor to 300 mm, 100% final 300 mm (Condition 37)

ATTACHED / AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

  1. Site plan showing crossing location and limits of disturbance
  2. FortisBC / Primary Contracting design drawings showing proposed crossing
  3. Field photos documenting absence of existing conduit
  4. Traffic control plan
  5. H1080 Lane Closure Request
  6. Proof of insurance (H0111)

SITE CONTACT

  Jake McFaddin
  Prevail Solutions Inc.
  Phone: [INSERT]
  Email: [INSERT]

We respectfully request written confirmation of open-cut authorization at the above location under Blanket Permit 2026-00056, or direction on any additional documentation required to issue approval without delay. Given the field condition discrepancy and the development timeline, we ask that this crossing be reviewed on an expedited basis.

FortisBC has been copied and is aware of this request.

Thank you for your prompt attention.

Jake McFaddin
Prevail Solutions Inc.
On behalf of [INSERT DEVELOPMENT / PROPERTY OWNER NAME]
[INSERT PHONE] | [INSERT EMAIL]