Campbell River system upgrades

For many decades, we've been assessing earthquake hazards at our dams and related facilities and upgrading the dams as required. In 2007, we launched a six-year, $10 million 'Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis' study, with the results released in 2014. We did this to create a best-in-class model for calculating earthquake hazards in B.C., and to use the results to better evaluate dam assessments and validate the resulting upgrades.

Not surprisingly, it was determined the highest risk in B.C. was on Vancouver Island given its proximity to the earth's shifting tectonic plates in the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Vancouver Island is within the most seismically active zone in B.C.

The study determined that significant capital upgrades would be required at all three Campbell River dams. Until they're upgraded, there is an interim downstream risk to the public.

The City of Campbell River, Strathcona Regional District and BC Hydro have been collaboratively working together since late 2014 to communicate to the downstream community the potential impact of a severe earthquake and what measures the public could do to protect themselves. We developed the saying: If it knocks you down, go to high ground.

The Campbell River hydroelectric system is located within the Strathcona Regional District and the City of Campbell River. The watershed has significant fish, wildlife, recreation and domestic water supply values, among other water use interests.

The John Hart Dam and Strathcona Dam projects will cause public road closures across the dams. Brewster Lake Road, across the John Hart Dam, was closed in July 2023 and will be closed for about six years. The road across the Strathcona Dam will be closed for about three years starting in 2025.

These projects are primarily about downstream public safety. The expectation is that when the projects are complete, facilities like the John Hart Dam would be able to withstand a major earthquake and maintain the water within the reservoir. The facilities would also be able to release water, as they do today, in a controlled manner downstream. The projects would also benefit downstream fish and wildlife habitats, as well as domestic water supply, post-earthquake.

These projects will create significant subcontractor, supplier and service opportunities for companies on Vancouver Island. They will also create significant jobs.

To learn more about how we're working with the business community and job seekers on the Campbell River system upgrades, visit majorprojects.ca.

The estimated total cost range for the John Hart Dam Seismic Upgrade Project, which started on schedule in summer 2023, is between $646 million and $923 million. This covers the period from when it was initiated in 2014 to the planned completion in 2030. The Ladore Spillway Seismic Upgrade Project cost estimates are between $225 million to $344 million, and the Strathcona Dam Water Discharge Upgrade project range is from $302 million and $474 million. The combined total cost range for the three projects is $1.17 to $1.74 billion. The recent John Hart Generating Station Replacement Project came in under budget at about $1 billion.

The John Hart Dam Seismic Upgrade Project started construction in summer 2023, with completion anticipated for 2030.

We are planning for the Strathcona Dam Water Discharge Upgrade and Ladore Spillway Seismic Upgrade projects to begin in early 2025, with both scheduled to complete in 2028.

Project construction reports, news stories, videos and other updates can be found at www.majorprojects.ca. 

There are no anticipated reservoir level drawdowns required during the proposed construction periods.

We have undertaken various social and environmental studies of the areas around the dams, ranging from vegetation, wildlife and fish assessments, to water quality. This work continues and is being presented to First Nations, government agencies, and stakeholders.

Since 2014, we've been consulting with First Nations and engaging the community on the proposed dam safety upgrades. One of the primary community engagement processes is through our Campbell River Hydroelectric Facilities Liaison Committee, which consists of about two-dozen stakeholders including government agencies, local government, environmental groups, recreation groups, business groups and others.

We'd like to hear from the Campbell River and wider community. We encourage you to go to our Campbell River Hydroelectric Facilities Discovery Centre located within the Elk Falls Suspension parking lot, off Highway 28. There, you can find out more about the projects and fill out a feedback form to provide comments, suggestions or concerns, and your degree of support for the projects.