BC Hydro has named SNC-Lavalin as the preferred contractor to design and build the $1-billion John Hart Generating Station Replacement Project near Campbell River, B.C.

The replacement facility will improve power reliability and seismic safety, and make it easier for BC Hydro to protect local fish habitats — an important factor for an area that is world-renowned for its salmon.

The project will include a replacement water intake at the John Hart Spillway Dam, the replacement of three 1.8-kilometre long penstocks with a 2.1-kilometre long tunnel, and the construction of a new generating station beside the existing one. A new water bypass facility will also be built.

Construction is scheduled to be completed by 2018.