Waneta Expansion Project Moves Forward

Columbia Power Corporation (CPC)  and Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) have reached an agreement in principle with Fortis Inc. (Fortis) to further the advancement of the Waneta Expansion Project.

"As the only government MLA for the Kootenays, it is important to me that this project proceeds.  The project brings approximately 400 jobs and $200 million in wages and benefits to the Kootenay region," said Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Bill Bennett.  "This agreement is the result of a tremendous amount of hard work and co-operation from all the parties involved."

The proposed structure with Fortis would be a partnership, the equity interests of which will be owned 49 per cent by CPC and 51 per cent by Fortis.  In addition, FortisBC Inc. (a subsidiary of Fortis), commits to purchasing capacity available from the project.

"This is an important milestone for both the partners and the region, and after months of hard work, we are pleased that we have a framework that could allow the project to move forward," said Neil Muth, President and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust.  "While this is a significant step forward, it is only the first of several processes that must be successfully concluded before construction on the project can begin."

The Waneta Expansion is a proposal to construct a second powerhouse adjacent to Teck's existing Waneta Dam on the Pend D'Oreille River, near Trail.  The province acquired expansion rights to the Waneta Dam in 1994 from Teck Cominco.  The rights were transferred to Columbia Power Corporation in 1995 and are now held by Waneta Expansion Power Corporation, a subsidiary of Columbia Power and Columbia Basin Trust.

The above was taken from a news release from CPC

Hydropower Construction Positions

Two of the three major hydropower projects that have been mandated for construction by CPC have been completed and planning is currently underway for the Waneta Expansion Project.

Hiring for the Waneta Expansion Project will be done by Columbia Hydro Constructors Ltd (CHC) under the terms and conditions of the Collective Agreement between CHC and the Allied Hydro Council of BC. Under this Collective Agreement, hiring preference will be given to local residents and members of equity employment groups. Please fax your resume to 250-365-4559 or email your resume to chcgeneral@bchydro.com.