Submarine Fibre Optic Telecommunication Cables

Baylink Networks Inc., on behalf of Strathcona Connected Coast Network Corporation, proposes to install two submarine fibre optic cables in Burrard Inlet with a shore landing location at the Vancouver Convention Centre West that would allow for connection to a major internet exchange point at 1050 West Pender Street, Vancouver. The proposal is part of the "Connected Coast" project, which aims to bring high-speed communications infrastructure to remote coastal communities throughout BC. The cables would travel from the shore landing location, along the seabed in Burrard Inlet, through First Narrows and out towards Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. The approximate lengths of the cables intended to be laid within the federal waters managed by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority are 4,322 metres and 4,379 metres; this includes the majority of the proposed cable route through Burrard Inlet up to approximately 625 metres west of the Lions Gate Bridge. The proposed shore landing location at the Vancouver Convention Centre West is within the City of Vancouver's jurisdiction. The cables would also travel through the port authority's navigational jurisdiction, which includes all of Burrard Inlet, and extends up until Point Atkinson at Lighthouse Park.

The cables measure approximately 13.5 millimetres by 6.3 millimetres, and would be installed by a cable-laying vessel, which would lay the cables directly onto the seabed, spaced approximately 50 metres apart. The cables would be armoured with an iron split pipe through First Narrows, and at the shore landing location, for additional protection. The cables are proposed to be installed separately, with the first cable planned for installation during Spring 2022 and the second cable planned for installation in late 2022/ early 2023. Cable installation from the shore landing location to the First Narrows is anticipated to take approximately five hours per cable. Cable installation from First Narrows through the remainder of the port authority's navigational jurisdiction is anticipated to take an additional three hours per cable. Works may take place outside of regular construction hours in order to reduce impacts to shipping; the schedule will be determined closer to construction.

The proposed amendment

Strathcona Connected Coast Network Corporation is requesting an extension to the approved project permit PER 20-208, which has an expiry date of March 31, 2024. Additional approves from other regulatory authority's are required, therefore, more time is required to undertake the Project.

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Latest update

End of public comment period 

The public comment period on the project is closed. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is considering comments received to help inform its determination on whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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Key documents

Key documents
Document Number Document Title File Date
4 Submarine Fibre Optic Telecommunication Cables - Extension - May 1, 2024
3 Submarine Fibre Optic Telecommunication Cables - Extension - March 15, 2024
2 Notice of Determination - May 5, 2022
1 Submarine Fibre Optic Telecommunication Cables - January 19, 2022

Contacts

Project and Environmental Review
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
100 The Pointe, 999 Canada Place
Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3T4
Email: per@portvancouver.com


  • Location

    • Vancouver (British Columbia)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Other, not otherwise specified

  • Assessment Status

    In progress

  • Start Date

    2024-03-15

  • Proponent

    Strathcona Connected Coast Network Corporation

  • Authorities

    • Transport Canada
    • Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    83307
Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

 

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...within 200 kilometres
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