Construction of the Site C project in northeast British Columbia reached its one-year anniversary at the end of July, with significant construction made and the project on track for schedule, scope and budget, the BC Government said in a statement.
The Site C Clean Energy Project is the third dam and hydroelectric generating station being built on the Peace River in northeast British Columbia. It is also the largest energy infrastructure project currently in the works across Canada. The project will supply 1100MW of capacity, and produce nearly 5100GWh of electricity annually. Work on the project will continue through peak installation periods in 2022 before a scheduled completion in 2024.
“Site C will provide British Columbia with a generational opportunity to secure a reliable source of clean, renewable and affordable electricity for the future,” said Premier Christy Clark. “The construction of Site C is also providing economic benefits today — employing more than 1,000 B.C. workers, offering skills training opportunities for young workers, and providing opportunities for businesses of all sizes.”
“Site C is a key component of our long-term plan to keep rates down by choosing the least expensive generation option available,” said Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Like our heritage hydro assets, Site C will also maintain B.C.’s commitment to renewable electricity.”
The latest employment statistics for the Site C project show that there were 1547 total workers on the Site C project in May 2016, with 1223 workers from British Columbia (79%) including carpenters, truck drivers, crane operators, safety advisors and officers, general labourers, heavy-equipment operators, mechanics, electricians, worker accommodation lodge operations staff, construction supervisors, environmental workers, engineering consultants and office staff.
In May 2016, there were a total of 107 apprentices working on the project in a range of trades including carpenter apprentices, electricians, plumbers and floor-covering installers.
Site C is also bringing significant opportunities for small, medium and large businesses in the Peace region and throughout the province. To date, over 200 B.C. companies have been involved in Site C construction, either as contractors, subcontractors or suppliers.
Main civil works at the project began in June 2016, with work to include the construction of an earthfill dam, two diversion tunnels and a concrete foundation for the generating station and spillways.
The $1.75 billion main civil works contract was awarded to Peace River Hydro Partners in December 2015. Its partners include ACCIONA Infrastructure Canada Inc., Petrowest Corporation and Samsung C&T Canada Ltd.
