BC Hydro is getting ready to upgrade the Ladore Dam, as part of ongoing seismic improvements to the entire Campbell River hydroelectric system.
Stephen Watson with BC Hydro says contractors will start site prep work in early February, which will continue until the end of this year.
“Aecon-EBC Ladore General Partnership is our contractor, and they’ll be starting soon to prepare the site, and then hit the ground running so we can make this dam seismically strong, and continue to pass water safely downstream after a major earthquake,” he said in a video posted to social media.
The Ladore project will install new spillway gates and a hoist system starting in 2026, control and auxiliary buildings, and more anchoring to the bedrock.
Meanwhile work continues at the Strathcona and John Hart Dams, where contractors are installing berms and other improvements to make sure they can handle a significant earthquake.
The Strathcona and Ladore projects are expected to create up to 200 local jobs over the next three years.
