The Qathet region is gearing up for its third BC Hydro region-wide power outage, scheduled for Sunday, June 7th, from 8 am to 8 pm. This planned outage, as BC Hydro explains, is part of the Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel Power Line Replacement Project, aimed at upgrading the system serving approximately 14,000 customers in Powell River and surrounding communities. The safety of crews and the public necessitates de-energizing the power lines during this time.
While the last outage on May 24th encouraged people to embrace a day of being unplugged, this time around, businesses are stepping up to make the experience more enjoyable for those without backup power sources. Step Above, a restaurant above Quality Foods, will offer a breakfast and lunch menu with free coffee from 32 Lakes and Bakery, from 8 am to 8 pm. Rosemary Lane & Co, a food truck, will be open at the Westview Harbour sea walk, serving fresh coffee, muffins, cookies, and breakfast sandwiches, along with bowls and pitas for lunch, starting at 8 am.
Forest Bistro and Lounge, owned by John and Jessica, is hosting a Black Out BBQ from 3 to 7 pm, featuring slow-cooked pork-back ribs with maple baked beans, creamy potato salad, cornbread, and pickles. Five dollars from every barbecue plate goes to local salmon enhancement projects, and $1 from every draft beer goes to the Powell River Salmon Society. Townsite Brewing's patio and beer garden will also be open from 1 to 8 pm, offering a beer garden bash with live music by Gitta, Steve, and Doug at 4 pm.
The Powell River Farmers' Market will be open as usual from 12:30 to 2 pm, with most vendors accepting cash only, though farmers' market bucks are available through Interact or visa payments. Anyone planning events during the outage can contact Tanya at [email protected] to be added to the event list.
BC Hydro emphasizes the importance of the outage for safety reasons, stating, 'For the safety of our crews and the public, we need to turn off power on Sunday, June 7, from 8 am to 8 pm. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we complete this work.'
This outage, while potentially disruptive, highlights the region's commitment to infrastructure improvement and public safety. It also underscores the creativity of local businesses in providing entertainment and sustenance during periods of power interruption. As the region prepares for the upcoming event, it's a reminder that even in times of planned outages, community spirit and resilience can thrive.
