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Seton Bypass Project

Image of Seton Powerhouse and penstock
Seton powerhouse and penstock.

Seton Generating Station plays an important role in the Bridge River system that spans from Gold Bridge to Lillooet. We're planning to replace the generator and turbine at the Seton Generating Station in Lillooet that are nearing end of life.

What's new

Bridge River Access and Accommodation Study report complete

We recognize our work can have impacts. That’s why we commissioned the Bridge River Access and Accommodation Study for our upcoming capital project work in the Bridge River System, happening over the next 10 to 15 years.

The purpose of the study was to create a baseline of information regarding project needs, technical data, and community feedback to be used as we move further into project planning. 

The comprehensive study developed a list of options and recommendations addressing worker access, accommodation location and type, as well as potential socio-economic impacts related to our capital project work at our existing facilities in the Bridge River System. 

We're pleased to share with you the report highlights [PDF, 2.1 MB] as well as the full report [PDF, 167.6 MB].

The recommendations in the report will need further evaluation before they’re implemented.

We thank respondents for participating in the study. Your input will continue to be used as we move further into planning our upcoming capital project work.

Related:

Why we're doing it

We've begun plans to replace the generator and turbine at the Seton Generating Station in Lillooet that are nearing end of life. The generator was first installed in 1956 and the turbine was replaced in 1977.

Upgrading the facility will help ensure our system continues to operate safely. Seton Generating Station plays an important role in the Bridge River System that spans from Gold Bridge to Lillooet. For decades it has operated at the downstream end of the system in Lillooet generating electricity and serving as a main source of water conveyance for the Bridge River system moving water from Seton Lake and into the Fraser River.

In addition to the new generator and turbine, we're also planning to install a hydraulic bypass. The hydraulic bypass is expected to be in place for approximately 12 months while construction is underway to help ensure water can continue to move from Seton Lake to the Fraser River. It will also help mitigate risk of impact to fish and maintain our flow commitments in the Water Use Plan.

Workforce needed for the project

This is a multi-year construction project and we anticipate the need for additional workers to support various aspects of the project.

  • 2025-2026: Approximately 40 temporary workers to complete the hydraulic bypass
  • 2026-2027: Approximately 30 temporary workers for the unit replacement

Local accommodation for our workers is the priority wherever possible. Accommodations will be coordinated by the contractor in the implementation phase of the project.
 

Local communities affected

The Seton Dam and Powerhouse (Seton Lake) in Lillooet is the part of BC Hydro's Bridge River system which is located 300 km north of Vancouver in the traditional territory of the St'át'imc Nation. As the project moves forward, we'll provide updates to the local communities on the project activities and any impacts.

Project schedule

Planning for the Seton Unit Replacement Project is currently underway. Construction of the bypass is expected to take place in 2026. Work on the generator and turbine replacement is targeted to be complete in 2027.

 

Projected cost

Early planning estimates the project will be in excess of a $100 million. The project is expected to apply for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity with the BC Utilities Commission.

Environmental impact

Environmental impacts studies are underway, and considerations will be shared soon with project stakeholders.

Reports and documents

Community notifications

Contact us

If you'd like to learn more about the project, please contact us at:

Email: projects@bchydro.com
Toll free: 1 866 647 3334
 

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BC Hydro is collecting your personal information (specifically, name, and email), for the purposes of the Seton Bypass Project and will be used to contact you in the future about project updates, correspondence and notifications about future consultation opportunities. This is done in accordance with BC Hydro's obligations under the Utilities Commission Act and under the authority of the Hydro and Power Authority Act. Data may be stored outside of Canada. If you have specific questions about the project or privacy concerns, please contact projects@bchydro.com.