BC Hydro signs major contract for John Hart project

John Hart Dam Redevelopment will deliver seismic safety upgrades, clean energy, and environmental performance for Vancouver Island, led by BC Hydro and SNC-Lavalin, boosting Campbell River jobs as construction advances on generators, turbines, and infrastructure.

BC Hydro has signed a contract with InPower BC for the John Hart Generating Station Replacement Project, which includes the construction of an innovative, underground powerhouse that will enhance public safety and improve the site’s environmental footprint.

John Hart has provided clean, reliable power to Vancouver Island for 67 years. The facility needs upgrades to ensure seismic safety, continued reliability for power generation and, in line with the BC power potential, better environmental performance.

The signing of this power agreement is a major milestone for the redevelopment of the project, as it provides the green light for construction. The project will bring many economic benefits to the community of Campbell River, including more jobs. The number of people working at the site will grow to 200 by the end of this year and peak at 340 in 2016.

InPower BC is a special purpose project company in which SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. has 100 per cent interest. SNC-Lavalin will run the project out of its Vancouver office, including working and coordinating with international team members on the specialised design and fabrication of components like generators and turbines for new generating stations across BC.

"I congratulate BC Hydro, SNC-Lavalin and the community of Campbell River on this major milestone. We have worked hard with BC Hydro to introduce a 10-year plan for rates that paves the way for important capital projects like this, while allowing cost reductions in other areas. I’m especially pleased with the economic benefits this project will provide during construction and in the long-term thanks to the clean, reliable energy that will be generated at John Hart," said Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines.

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