March 25, 2014 – The general civil contract (GCC) for Manitoba’s 695MW Keeyask Generating Station has been awarded to a limited partnership between Bechtel Canada Co., Barnard Construction of Canada Ltd. and EllisDon Civil Ltd. for $1.4 billion.

“Every one of these companies is a leader in their field and, as a group, we think they offer real value to the partnership and Manitoba Hydro in terms of ensuring this project is completed safely—as well as on time and on budget,” said Bruce Barrett, president of KHLP and vice-president of major capital projects for Manitoba Hydro.

On the lower Nelson River in northern Manitoba, Keeyask is a proposed development by the Keeyask Hydropower LP (KHLP), a venture between Manitoba Hydro and the four Keeyask Cree Nations. Manitoba Hydro will manage construction of the project on behalf of KHLP, including the tendering and awarding of contracts like this one, and operate the project on behalf of the partnership once completed.

Work covered by the Keeyask GCC includes rock excavation, concrete for the 7-unit powerhouse complex and spillway, earthen structures (about 2.2 km of dam and 23 km of dyke structures), electrical and mechanical work, and the construction and removal of temporary cofferdams needed to manage the river flow during construction. The GCC is the largest of the contracts that will be awarded as part of the project.

“Keeyask is upstream from Limestone, the region’s largest generating station, which we completed ahead of schedule and under budget back in 1992,” said Brian Sedar, manager of Bechtel’s global water business. “We will draw from our experience and look forward to working closely with our partners and Manitoba Hydro to ensuring the success of this project.”

The proposed in-service date for the Keeyask Generating Station is 2019, with completion expected in 2020. Should all necessary regulatory approvals be received, construction is scheduled to begin this summer.

Artist renderings © Keeyask Hydropower LP.