WANETA EXPANSION

The Waneta Expansion, currently under construction, will see the addition of a second powerhouse downstream of the Waneta Dam on the Pend d'Oreille River south of Trail, British Columbia. Located immediately downstream from the Waneta Dam and its existing powerhouse, the expansion project will share the existing dam's hydraulic head and generate power from flow that would otherwise be spilled.

The base concept for the Waneta Expansion is designed such that water will be conveyed through two large diameter tunnels from the Waneta forebay into a two-unit powerhouse to be built "in the dry" on the right bank of the Pend d'Oreille River between the Waneta Dam and Highway 22A. The base concept has been permitted for two Francis turbine units to produce up to a combined maximum capacity of 335 megawatts. Output from the units will be stepped-up to 230 kV at the powerhouse and delivered to BC Hydro's Selkirk Substation through a new 10 km transmission line.

Columbia Power Corporation (Columbia Power) and Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) have formed a partnership with Fortis Inc. for the project. Fortis Inc. - 51%, Columbia Power - 32.5%, and CBT - 16.5%.

A design-build contract is in place with SNC-Lavalin for construction of the project. ASL-JV and Voith Hydro are the project's main sub-contractors.

Fast Facts

Environmental Assessment Certificate in place
4.5 year project duration
Expected to create the equivalent of 400 jobs
Anticipated that approximately 85% of workforce will come from within 100 km of the project
Local purchases of goods and services
Clean, renewable cost-effective power for all British Columbians
Enough power to supply 60,000 homes annually

Project Resources

Employment information
Hiring is done through Columbia Hydro Constructors.
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Photo Gallery
Go to our Gallery to view photos of the Project.
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Community Impact Management Committee
More information about our Community Impact Management Committee
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Project Fact Sheet
View the project fact sheet.
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Project presentation
Download a .pdf version of the general project presentation.
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FALL 2012 PROJECT NEWSLETTER
View a copy of the fall 2011 project newsletter.
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Waneta Terrestrial Compensation Program
The Waneta Terrestrial Compensation Program (WTCP) provides annual funding to eligible conservation projects located in the Waneta, BC area. The Goal of the WTCP is to provide financial support to projects that promote conservation and restoration through research, physical works, and other “on the ground” or applied projects. The WTCP will allocate up to $50,000 annually towards projects that are located within the Waneta area, have a terrestrial ecosystem focus and benefit the natural environment. For more information about the program, please see the link below.
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Waneta Terrestrial Compensation Program - Terms of Reference
The Terms of Reference for the Waneta Terrestrial Compensation Program are available by clicking on the link below.
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Waneta Terrestrial Compensation Program - Application Package
An application package for the Waneta Terrestrial Compensation Program is available by clicking the link below.
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Construction Progress
To view a short video clip documenting the progress of the project to date, please click below.
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Shaw Cable Interview
View the February 2012 Shaw Cable interview by clicking the link below.
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Fort Shepherd Bar Fish Habitat Enhancement Project
To learn more about this project click below.
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