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Nalcor Energy’s Lower Churchill Project to create
thousands of construction jobs over five years
ATLANTIC CANADA
SNC-Lavalin co-ordinates
824 MW Labrador project
RENDERING BY NALCOR ENERGY
Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer
Nalcor Energy’s Lower Churchill Project, 30 km. west
of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador,
is the province’s second largest hydroelectric initiative
and will create thousands of jobs through the next five
years. SNC-Lavalin has been hired as the engineering, pro-
curement and construction management (EPCN) con-
sultant for the 824 megawatt (MW) hydroelectric
generating facility, consisting of two dams and a power-
house, including:
• Muskrat Falls hydroelectric generating facility
• Labrador-Island
• Strait of Belle Isle marine cable crossing
• Labrador transmission assets
The project is expected to employ about 1,500 people
in more than 70 trades and occupations yearly, peaking
with an estimated 3,300 people in 2015. Construction
work is scheduled to take place seven days a week over
two 10-hour shifts.
A project Impacts and Benefits Agreement (IBA) be-
tween Nalcor and Innu nation of Labrador and a benefits
strategy have been developed. Together, these agree-
ments guide employment and business activities, with
gender equity and diversity programs.
Gilbert Bennett, Nalcor’s vice-president for the Lower
Churchill project, says many work contracts have been
awarded, but there are still some to come throughout
the latter part of 2013 and into 2014.
“We’ve contracted Andritz Hydro for the turbines and
generators and awarded the contract for the underwater
marine cable to Nexans out of Norway,” he said. “The
reservoir clearing is being undertaken by a local com-
pany – Johnson’s Construction.”
Bennett says Nalcor is relying on full and fair compe-
tition to put together a supply chain ranging from local
to global companies, ensuring contractors meet its
safety, environmental and technical requirements while
providing the best value to the project and the people of
Newfoundland and Labrador.
Site work began in 2012 with infrastructure develop-
ment including access roads, a temporary work camp
and the water, waste management and technology sys-
tems it requires, temporary office facilities and site
power set-up.
Bennett says the starter camp, which opened in April
2013, houses up to 300 workers. A permanent camp that
can accommodate 1,500 workers is being installed to
meet the expected and continually growing workforce.
Assembled on site, the modular camp will provide qual-
ity accommodations, recreation and food services.
“Good accommodation is very important,” he said.
“Many people will be working on rotational shifts, and
accommodation is definitely a consideration people look
at when they’re deciding where they will work.”
Workers living in the area can get home at the end of
their shift through a co-ordinated transportation system.
Clearing activities are required on both sides of the
The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Fall 2013 – 7