British Columbia starts North Coast Transmission Line to expand power supply for mining and energy sectors

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North Coast Transmission Line expansion

Highlights

Construction has begun on the North Coast Transmission Line in British Columbia, with Phases 1 and 2 expected to double corridor capacity by winter 2032.
The transmission expansion is projected to add nearly $10 billion annually to provincial GDP, generate $950 million in yearly government revenue, and create 9,700 direct full-time jobs.
Federal funding supports the project through the Canada-British Columbia Co-operative Prosperity Agreement, with co-ownership agreements involving First Nations to be finalized by end of 2024.

Project buildout and funding timeline

As reported by BC Gov News, construction is now underway on the North Coast Transmission Line, a multi-phase infrastructure project that the province says will create thousands of jobs and unlock tens of billions of dollars in economic activity.

The line is intended to strengthen the backbone of British Columbia’s electricity system in the North by connecting industrial hubs and communities to cleaner power. BC Hydro is advancing the development in two phases, with Phase 1 running from Prince George to Glenannan, west of Fraser Lake, and Phase 2 extending west toward Terrace.

These two phases are expected to more than double transmission capacity on the corridor. Phase 1 is expected to be complete by mid-2030, while construction of Phase 2 is anticipated to begin in 2027 and finish by winter 2032.

Through the Canada-British Columbia Co-operative Prosperity Agreement, the federal government is providing funding support for phases 1 and 2 and has committed to work with the province on support for Phase 3. The project is also one of 35 major developments being prioritized under British Columbia’s Look West strategy.

Economic impact in northern British Columbia

The province says the transmission expansion is expected to support major industrial developments that create about 9,700 direct full-time jobs, add nearly $10 billion a year to provincial GDP and generate about $950 million in annual revenue for the province and local governments.

At peak construction, around 1,400 workers are expected across the first two phases. Beyond transmission work itself, the project is also expected to support local businesses and broader regional economic activity in northern British Columbia.

First Nations remain central to the project, with work continuing to finalize co-ownership agreements by the end of this year. The province says those agreements are meant to provide direct economic returns, employment, capacity building and longer-term revenue while advancing the project in a way that respects Indigenous rights.

The transmission line also forms part of British Columbia’s broader Powering Growth plan to expand and modernize the electricity system. By adding grid capacity, the province says the project will help industrial electrification, improve energy reliability and reduce emissions across the province.

Our earlier article on British Columbia’s trades-training expansion covered the province’s plan to add new skilled-trades seats at Vancouver Community College as part of the Look West strategy. It outlined a $241 million, three-year funding push to reduce apprenticeship wait lists and build workforce capacity for high-demand roles tied to major construction and clean-energy projects across B.C.

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