Waneta Dam Hydroelectric Expansion

The Waneta Dam is located on the Pend d’Oreille River near its confluence with the Columbia River. This expansion contract consisted of a civil works upgrade to the original 1954 structure, including a new 330 MW hydroelectric generating station, new inlet and outlet structures, two large concrete-lined penstock tunnels, a powerhouse with two vertical shaft Francis turbine generators, a tailrace channel, and a 10-km-long transmission line.

• EAC was a key subcontractor, supporting the managing partner, Aecon, by performing all excavation and support works for the intake channel, intake structure, new powerhouse structure, and tailrace.
• A key challenge of the project was conducting blasting, overburden excavation, rock excavation, and tunnelling in close proximity to the operational dam, spillway, and powerhouse—just 500 meters away—as well as a nearby railway.
• The project scope involved 250,000 m³ of overburden excavation, 230,000 m³ of rock excavation, 20,000 m³ of dredging, 68,000 m³ of cast-in-place concrete, and 3,900 tonnes of reinforcing steel.
• Ktunaxa Nation Council wrote a letter of recommendation to recognize the positive relationship and collaboration during the project, which ensured at least 16 per cent of the workforce were Indigenous apprentices.

A Collaboration with the Ktunaxa Nation

The Ktunaxa Liaison Officer and Aecon DBJV connected many Ktunaxa Nation members with employment opportunities, including direct and indirect roles, apprenticeships, and mentorships. A one-week program allowed participants to explore careers in construction at the Waneta project, inspiring many to pursue trades training. Several participants who started apprenticeships on the project went on to complete their Red Seal certification.