The Strathcona Dam and its access road will be closed for about four years starting Nov. 17.
BC Hydro said the closure is necessary to carry out critical seismic upgrades aimed at enhancing the dam’s safety and resilience.
Located on the Campbell River system, the Strathcona Dam is one of three “extreme consequence” dams in the area.
“Failure resulting from a seismic event could pose serious safety, financial and environmental risks downstream,” the release said. “Standing 53 metres tall and stretching 500 metres long, it holds enough water to fill BC Place stadium 216 times.”
BC Hydro said the upgrades are needed to address dam safety risks and to enable lowering of the reservoir’s water levels following a major earthquake.
Work will include construction of a deep channel forming a low-level outlet on the east side of the dam, new control and back-up power supply buildings, installation of gates within the low-level outlet channel, and replacement of the existing spillway gates and hoist system with a concrete weir to manage extreme flood events.
The project is expected to create about 110 jobs annually until 2029.
“These upgrades will allow for controlled reservoir drawdown, and improved flood mitigation and fish flow management during dry periods,” the release said.
BC Hydro said it continues to work closely with First Nations, the City of Campbell River, the Strathcona Regional District and other stakeholders to ensure transparent communication and community engagement throughout the project.
Signs indicating the closure of the Strathcona Dam access road will be posted in the area, including off Highway 28.
