Wedoany.com Report-Feb 11, BC Hydro has started work on a seismic upgrade at Ladore Dam near Campbell River, marking a key milestone in dam safety efforts on Vancouver Island. The project aims to ensure the dam can continue to function safely in the event of a major earthquake or flood.
“The Ladore Spillway Seismic Upgrade Project will allow us to maintain public safety and reliability post-earthquake,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “This critical project will also benefit local fish and wildlife habitats, as well as downstream domestic water supply.”
Ladore Dam, built in 1949, is one of three hydroelectric dams on the Campbell River system, with John Hart Dam located downstream and Strathcona Dam upstream. The upgrade includes replacing spillway gates and installing new equipment to ensure the spillway remains operational after a major earthquake, meeting modern reliability standards.
“Vancouver Island is within the most seismically active zone in B.C.,” said Kermit Dahl, Mayor of Campbell River. “This critical work will not just improve seismic safety across the Campbell River system, the project will also create about 70 jobs per year until it’s completed in 2029.”
BC Hydro has consulted with First Nations, government agencies, the community, and other stakeholders throughout the planning process. While there is no public access to Ladore Dam, the project is a key part of broader safety improvements in the region.
“Public safety is our top priority. For many decades, we’ve been assessing earthquake hazards at our dams and related facilities, and upgrading them as required,” said Chris O’Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. “This project will improve the reliability of the spillway gate system at Ladore Dam, along with its power supply, control, and telecommunications.”
The Ladore Spillway Seismic Upgrade Project is one of three dam safety projects in the Campbell River system. Work on the John Hart Dam upgrade began in 2023 and is expected to be completed by 2030. The Strathcona Dam Water Discharge Upgrade Project is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025.
