The provincial government has awarded the largest contract tied to the construction of the Site C Dam.
The 1.5 billion dollar contract will go to a partnership of three companies, one of which – Petrowest, has deep roots in Fort Saint John.
Premier Christy Clark says the Peace River Hydro Partners have made commitments to BC Labour. “To employ local and first nations first, all other British Columbians next. Once we have exhausted the supply of British Columbians who want to and can work on this project, this company will start looking elsewhere in Canada.”
Petrowest will be assisted by Spanish multinational ACCIONA and Samsung of Korea in construction on the civil works contract.
“Some people say well there are a lot of Alberta license plates kicking around the site.” Energy Minister Bill Bennet said “That’s because British Columbians have actually come home to work on the Site C project… 80% of the workers are from BC.”
The contract comprises the majority of earthworks required to construct the Site C project, including:
o Approximately 32 million cubic metres of excavation for structures, including the approach channel and tailrace.
o River diversion works, including construction of two 10.8 metre internal diameter concrete-lined tunnels between 700 metres to 800 metres in length, and associated cofferdams and intake and outlet structures.
o Earthfill dam – central core zoned earth embankment approximately 1,050 metres long and 60 metres above the present river level.
o A roller-compacted concrete buttress – approximately 800 metres in length to a maximum height of 70 metres.
o Significant ancillary works such as a permanent network of site roads, site drainage and debris handling facilities.