BC Hydro is gearing up for significant seismic upgrades at the Ladore Dam near Campbell River, marking a pivotal step toward enhanced safety for one of Vancouver Island's key hydroelectric facilities. This project is part of BC Hydro's extensive efforts to fortify the entire Campbell River hydroelectric system against the potential impacts of major earthquakes.
Stephen Watson, spokesperson for BC Hydro, announced the start of site preparation activities expected to begin early this month, providing local contractors and residents with promising news. “Aecon-EBC Ladore General Partnership is our contractor, and they’ll be starting soon to prepare the site, and then hit the ground running so we can make this dam seismically strong, and continue to pass water safely downstream after a major earthquake,” Watson stated in a social media video.
The upgrade project, known as the Ladore Spillway Seismic Upgrade Project, encompasses considerable enhancements including new spillway gates, hoist systems, and additional anchoring to the bedrock, all aimed at ensuring the dam’s performance during seismic events. The bulk of the structural upgrades will commence around 2026, but preparation will be conducted throughout this year.
Adrian Dix, B.C.'s Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, emphasized the project’s importance for public safety: “The Ladore Spillway Seismic Upgrade Project will allow us to maintain public safety and reliability post-earthquake. This project will also benefit local fish and wildlife habitats, as well as downstream domestic water supply.”
The Ladore Dam, which was constructed in 1949, has been assessed for its earthquake resilience for decades, and the current upgrades are part of BC Hydro's broader multiyear assessment efforts. This is particularly significant since Vancouver Island is located within one of the most seismically active zones not just in British Columbia, but also across Canada.
Kermit Dahl, the Mayor of Campbell River, highlighted the socio-economic benefits of the upgrades: “This project will not just improve seismic safety across the Campbell River system. The project will also create about 70 jobs per year until it’s completed in 2029.” The job opportunities arise not merely from the physical construction phase but also from environmental impact assessments and consultations with local communities.
Although public access to the Ladore Dam is restricted during construction, BC Hydro is committed to engaging with First Nations, government agencies, and other stakeholders. Chris O'Riley, the President and CEO of BC Hydro, emphasized this engagement: “Public safety is our top priority. For many decades, we've been assessing earthquake hazards at our dams and related facilities, and upgrading them as required.”
This extensive upgrade is part of BC Hydro’s comprehensive safety approach which includes concurrent work at other facilities within the region, such as the John Hart and Strathcona Dams. The upgrade work at the John Hart Dam began last summer and is slated to continue over the next six years, with completion expected by 2030. Plans for the Strathcona Dam Water Discharge Upgrade Project are also underway, with construction anticipated to commence by fall 2025.
Expert assessments indicate the likelihood of seismic activity affecting the hydroelectric system and highlight the importance of modernizing facilities to meet updated safety standards. The cumulative impact of these safety measures aims to bolster community resilience against various natural disasters, ensuring reliable hydroelectric power generation and environmental stewardship.
BC Hydro maintains transparency about the project’s progression, encouraging local residents and stakeholders to stay informed through their dedicated project page. Improvements of this nature not only contribute to public safety and infrastructure reliability but also demonstrate BC Hydro's commitment to environmental resource management and community involvement.
This upgrade effort underlines the broader need for infrastructure modernization as climate uncertainties and seismic risks continue to escalate globally. BC Hydro’s initiatives on the Ladore Dam and associated facilities indicate its proactive stance toward safeguarding public resources and anticipating future environmental challenges.