B.C. Hydro preparing lands for massive John Hart dam seismic upgrading

September 7, 2022

B.C. Hydro crews start work mid-month to prepare sites for civil work next year on the ­massive John Hart Dam ­seismic upgrading project near ­Campbell River.

“Given the public traffic across the dam and recreational activities just to the north of the dam, it is important that people be aware in advance of these early works and understand what we are doing there,” B.C. Hydro spokesman Steven Watson said. Motorists can expect intermittent road and trail closures during the work.

“These early works will prepare the site so once we have all the project approvals in place, the contractor can hit the ground running in summer 2023.”

The cost of the entire project is estimated at between $497 million and $882 million.

Once completed in 2029 the dam is expected to be able to survive a major earthquake.

Work starting shortly will see B.C. Hydro crews create construction laydown areas (where materials are stored) and remove trees at laydown sites. They will also relocate power lines and a boat ramp.

Read the full article on the Times Colonist website.