Aecon-EBC General Partnership has been awarded the first phase of a $245 million two-phase civil construction contract for the John Hart Dam Seismic Upgrade project in Campbell River.

The scope of work involves upgrading earth stabilizing infrastructure to improve the seismic resiliency of the existing John Hart Dam.

The project is on track for construction work to start in summer 2023, following anticipated final internal approvals and the conclusion of the BC Utilities Commission process in spring 2023.

“This project will ensure the continued supply of safe, reliable power for surrounding communities and adds another signature project to our diverse backlog in Western Canada – underscoring our preeminent reputation as the preferred contractor for complex civil construction,” said Jean-Louis Servranckx, president and CEO, Aecon Group Inc. “We are proud of the critical role Aecon played in successfully delivering the John Hart Generating Station Replacement project and we look forward to working with our partner while further strengthening our relationship with BC Hydro through this collaborative approach.”

The proposed project will address dam safety risks at the John Hart Dam and will significantly improve the facility’s ability to withstand a major seismic event. The project will also improve the reliability of the ageing spillway gate system and increase the dam’s spill capacity.

The civil works contractor will upgrade the earthfill and concrete sections of the dam and create an overflow spillway under the existing road deck.

The hydro-mechanical work will replace the three spillway gates and related works. The Request for Proposals for this contract is currently planned to be issued in 2024, with the construction work proceeding after completion of the civil work.

Work on the 2,624-foot-long dam is expected to continue through 2026. The entire cost of the dam work has been estimated at between $497 million and $882 million.