Cascade Heritage Project

The Cascade Heritage Hydroelectric Project is a 28 megawatt capacity facility located near Christina Lake, BC.

The Cascade Heritage Power Project is a 28 megawatt environmentally benign, non-storage, hydroelectric project that will be located near the original site of a historic, abandoned power station on the Kettle River at Christina Lake, British Columbia. The Cascade Heritage Power Project has received permitting approval from the provincial government.

The project aims to reestablish the historic project which was first constructed in 1901. More information can be found here.

The Cascade site played an important role in the development of the electric power industry in the world. It was one of the very first locations where 3-phase 60-cycle alternating current generators were pioneered, including the longest and highest-voltage transmission lines in use up to that time. The Cascade project settled a rivalry between Thomas Edison, who promoted the use of direct current, and Nikola Tesla of Westinghouse who promoted the new technology of alternating current. The plant was purchased by West Kootenay Power and Light in 1907 and operated until 1919 when the power it generated was replaced by power from their Kootenay River Dams.

Today, Renewable Power Corp proposes to recreate the generation of renewable energy at the Cascade site. The beauty of the Cascade Canyon and the falls will be maintained and the community of Christina Lake will experience economic benefits when the Cascade Heritage Power Project becomes a reality.

Project Benefits

• Employment opportunities for the Okanagan Region
• Will have minimal effect on the environment (i.e. no flooding, protects fish habitat)
• Use of pre-existing transmission system means lower environmental footprint
• Maintains scenic beauty of the local area

SITE LOCATION:

Located on Kettle River 2 km south of the town of Christina Lake, BC.