BC Hydro is moving towards starting seismic upgrade projects at two Campbell River facilities, that will create nearly 200 jobs if approved.
The upgrades would be made to the Strathcona and Ladore facilities in the Campbell River hydroelectric system. They say the projects will replace or upgrade seismically deficient structures and components, and make them more resilient in the case of an earthquake.
A major part of the project will include making a deep channel at the Strathcona Dam that forms a low-level outlet in the rock on the right side of the dam. It will be around 330 metres long, 29 metres wide and 17 metres deep, according to hydro.
Upgrades to the Ladore site will see the spillway gates become more reliable.
Talks about the projects have been made since 2015 to create the plans, and BC Hydro says they have now been submitted to the BC Utilities Commission for approval. Should they get the go ahead, construction is set to start in 2025 and be completed in 2028 with a forecasted 180 jobs needed.
“These safety-driven large capital projects are so important for the Campbell River area,” said North Island MLA, Michele Babchuk.
“I appreciate BC Hydro’s ongoing commitment to comprehensive community engagement, and I encourage people to take every opportunity to learn more about the project’s design and constructability considerations, fish and water quality protections, and the hundreds of jobs as well as subcontractor opportunities, particularly for First Nations.”
Seismic upgrade projects were approved in early may for the John Hart Dam. They are set to start in July and generate around 100 to 150 jobs per year.
