Construction starts on the North Coast Transmission Line in northern B.C.

Construction has started on the North Coast Transmission Line, a major power project in northern B.C. The Province says it will create thousands of jobs and bring more clean electricity to the North.

The project is expected to support major industrial projects that will create approximately 9,700 direct full-time jobs. The Province also says it will contribute nearly $10 billion annually to B.C.'s provincial GDP and generate approximately $950 million in annual revenue for the Province and local governments. At peak construction, about 1,400 workers are expected across Phase 1 and Phase 2.

Electricity demand in the region, driven by mining, LNG, ports and emerging industries, now exceeds the capacity of the existing 500-kilovolt line between Prince George and Terrace. BC Hydro is building the project in two phases. Phase 1 runs from Prince George to Glenannan, west of Fraser Lake. Phase 2 extends west toward Terrace.

• Phase 1: expected to be complete by mid-2030
• Phase 2: construction anticipated to begin in 2027, and complete by winter 2032

First Nations are key partners in the project. Work is ongoing to finalize co-ownership agreements by the end of this year. The Province says these agreements would give First Nations a direct stake in the project's success.

The federal government is providing funding support toward Phases 1 and 2 and has committed to working with the Province on funding for Phase 3. The line is one of 35 major projects the Province is prioritizing under its Look West strategy.

Premier David Eby said, "The North Coast Transmission Line is a generational project that will power clean growth and deliver thousands of jobs for families across B.C." Adrian Dix, B.C.'s Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, said the project "unlocks the economic potential of the North Coast."

For Vancouver readers, this is a project in the North. The article does not describe any effects on power supply or costs in Vancouver. It is part of the Province's effort to grow its economy and reduce its economic reliance on the United States.

Source: BC Gov News