John Hart Generating Station Replacement

Originally built in 1947, the John Hart Generating Station required extensive upgrades to improve its seismic safety, electrical efficiency, and water bypass systems. The project involved constructing a new water intake at the existing John Hart Spillway and Dam, replacing three above-ground penstocks with a 2.1-km-long tunnel, and constructing a new underground generating station and water bypass facility. EAC was sole-source hired to undertake the challenging rock excavations for the intake and tailrace. Our work included drilling and control blasting, excavation, tunnelling and rock stabilization.

• In total, approximately 300,000 m³ of underground excavation was required.
• In-water blasting was done at night when the community’s domestic water demand was lowest, allowing settlement time before the morning peak demands.
• EAC and Aecon conducted all work near the operational John Hart Dam, implementing a cofferdam and double silt curtain to manage water and prevent contamination in the nearby Elk Falls Provincial Park and the Campbell River.

A Collaborative Effort

The John Hart Dam is located on the traditional territories of We Wai Kai (Cape Mudge) First Nation, Wei Wai Kum (Campbell River) First Nation, K'omoks First Nation, and Homalco First Nation, with Indigenous local engagement an important focus. Over 100,000 hours were completed by Indigenous workers holding positions including Project Manager, Student Engineer, Carpenter/Carpenter Apprentice, Labourer, Traffic Control, Cement Mason, Teamster, Journeyman, Mechanic, and Labourer.