British Columbia Transmission Corp. (BCTC) has been granted a provincial Environmental Assessment Certificate approving construction of the Vancouver Island Transmission Reinforcement (VITR) project. This follows a comprehensive review through the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) which considered environmental, economic, social, heritage and health factors.

"The population and economy of B.C. are growing rapidly, and Vancouver Island's electricity needs are projected to increase by as much as 45% over the next 20 years," said Jane Peverett, BCTC President and CEO. "This project will help to ensure a reliable supply of power for the over 700,000 residentsand businesses of Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands."

The EAO is a neutral provincial agency that coordinates assessments of the impacts of major project proposals in B.C. After review of all thequestions raised by the public, federal and provincial government agencies, local governments, and First Nations, and the responses and commitments from BCTC, a certificate was granted by the Minister of Environment and the
Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.

"We are pleased that our commitment to sustainability, First Nations engagement, and public involvement has been recognized by the EAO," said Peverett. "Moving forward, we are committed to ongoing communications with residents, the public and other interested parties to minimize the impact of the construction of this project."

The certificate contains over 200 commitments that BCTC will implement throughout the construction and operation of the project. Included are commitments to environmental, wildlife and vegetation management, archeological and cultural resources, and land use