LETTER: BC Hydro substation doesn’t belong in Surrey neighbourhood
Published 7:00 am Monday, March 9, 2026
Editor,
As a five-year homeowner and Surrey taxpayer living in the Clayton area of Surrey, I was very disappointed to read a letter from BC Hydro stating they plan to build their Willoughby substation smack dab in the middle of a residential neighbourhood and not in Langley or not in industrial zoned land. Apparently BC Hydro purchased land zoned for residential and, without having to apply for permits or zoning change, can arbitrarily change the zoning without Surrey or provincial government approval.
There are plenty of land parcels in Willoughby suitable for this Willoughby substation. BC Hydro tells Clayton Heights residents that the land they chose was the only land available for sale suitable for the project. That’s BS, as there is plenty of nearby Langley land for sale along 202A Street, directly across from the Langley Event Centre as well as all up and down 200 Street, for example.
The fact of the matter is Hydro bought the Surrey land strictly as a cost-savings exercise, as land taxes and land costs are less expensive in Surrey, and do not care about ruining a perfectly safe, quiet residential neighbourhood.
What’s just as alarming, that every member of Surrey’s council and mayor could not be bothered to reply back when I wrote to all of them back on Feb. 4 asking for their help in stopping this absurd project.
At least the MLA, Elenore Sturko, had the moral conviction one expects from its elected officials and has met with residents and is attempting to intervene on our behalf.
Clayton residents will remember who backs them come election day, no doubt.
The most alarming aspect of BC Hydro’s Willoughby substation is the fact is the planned greenbelt and walking path that was supposed to connect the existing greenbelt running from 73rd Avenue to 76th Avenue will now be scrapped as BC Hydro’s land acquisition took up this pathway which was supposed to a safe route to and from Maddaugh Elementary School for the children who will now be forced to walk on a narrow sidewalk on 194th Street, which will also be the only road access large trucks and cranes will take driving to and from the substation worksite.
This is a huge, unnecessary safety concern that puts children in harm’s way. Any accident involving a child will be blood on BC Hydro’s executive and Surrey’s elected officials. All because BC Hydro has decided to build its “Willoughby” substation in Surrey instead of Langley … where it belongs.
Lloyd Watt, Surrey
