Waneta Expansion


The $900 million Waneta Expansion added a second powerhouse downstream from the Waneta Dam on the Pend Oreille River, near Trail, BC.

Construction took place between 2010 and 2015. IUOE Local 115 was pleased to play a big part in the job.

The owner of the project was a joint venture of Fortis Inc., Columbia Power and the Columbia Basin Trust. Like many other successful Operating Engineers projects over the decades, the Waneta Expansion was subject to a project labour agreement with the Allied Hydro Council of unions.  Almost 70 per cent of the construction employees came from within 100 kilometres of the site, creating a legacy of skills, work experience and small business development for the Central Kootenay region.

The photos below were taken by IUOE Local 115 members in 2011 and 2012.

IUOE Local 115 Waneta Dam 1

IUOE Local 115 Waneta Dam 2

IUOE Local 115 Waneta Dam 3

IUOE Local 115 Waneta Dam 4

IUOE Local 115 Waneta Dam 5