Columbia Basin Trust
Power Projects

In 1995, when CBT received $276 million for investment in regional hydroelectric projects, the Province of BC also transferred funds to Columbia Power Corporation (CPC), CBT's joint venture partner in power project development. To date, the joint venture partners have invested in three hydro-electric power projects, with a fourth in the advanced stages of feasibility planning.


Brilliant Dam

In 1996, the joint venture partners purchased the Brilliant Dam which is located approximately eight kilometres from Castlegar, BC on the Kootenay River. The facility was purchased from Teck (formerly Cominco) for $130 million. However, the joint venture partners invested a further $100 million to extend the life of the facility as well as increase generating capacity. The Brilliant Dam generates enough power to supply approximately 100,000 homes and all the energy is sold to Fortis BC under the terms of a 60 year contract.

Arrow Lakes Generating Station

In 2002, construction was completed on the Arrow Lakes Generating Station, a two-turbine facility 400 metres downstream from the existing Hugh Keenleyside Dam on the Arrow Lakes reservoir near Castlegar, BC. The $300 million project was completed on time and within budget, and generates enough electricity to supply approximately 75,000 homes. All the power generated at the Arrow Lakes Generating Station is sold to BC Hydro.

Brilliant Expansion Project

In September 2007, construction was completed on the Brilliant Expansion Project, located on the east bank of the Kootenay River downstream from the Brilliant Dam. The $245 million project generates enough power to supply approximately 55,000 homes and 90% of the energy is sold to BC Hydro under two separate long-term agreements. The remaining 10% of power is sold on the open power market.

Waneta Expansion Project

When the joint venture partners acquired the Brilliant Dam, they also acquired the rights to construct a new facility (expansion) downstream of Teck's (formerly Cominco) Waneta Dam outside of Trail, BC. The joint venture partners are actively investigating the environmental and economic feasibility of the project and should it prove viable, construction could begin as early as fall 2009.

Columbia Basin Trust supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic
and environmental well-being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations.
1.800.505.8998