BC Hydro announced today their plans to initiate a project for seismic upgrades on the John Hart dam in Campbell River.
The organization is estimating that the project will cost between $497 million and $822 million in total for the upgrades, a cost that will be refined as the project progresses.
BC Hydro says that so far, it has initiated the first stage in the procurement process with a request for proposals for the civil contract.
“This is an important project for the Campbell River area,” says Hon. Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low-Carbon Innovation. “It will provide benefits to the local economy, for public safety, and for clean electricity generation.”
BC Hydro says it began consultation with local stakeholders about the potential project in 2014 and is continuing consultation with the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and K’omoks First Nations.
BC Hydro says that the John Hart dam is a key component of the organization’s infrastructure here on the island and the upgrades are meant to strengthen the dam for reliability.
“Keeping people safe is an important part of everything we do,” said Michele Babchuk, MLA for North Island. “Upgrading the John Hart Dam will do exactly that and bring good jobs to local families here in Campbell River.”
The proposed John Hart Dam Seismic Upgrade project follows the last significant upgrade to the John Hart system, which was the completion of the John Hart Generating Station Replacement project. This project consisted of the construction of a new generating station over a five-year period.
Construction is expected to begin on the seismic upgrades in 2023, with an anticipated completion date set in 2029.
A thorough application will be submitted to the BC Utilities Commission next week for approval.
More information can be found at bchydro.com.
Graham Cox
