Economy

Construction begins on North Coast Transmission Line expansion

Sep 3, 2026 | 11:39 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — Construction has officially begun on one of British Columbia’s largest electricity infrastructure projects, a transmission line expansion that governments say will help unlock major resource developments in the province’s northwest while strengthening Canada’s economic independence.

Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson joined Premier David Eby in Prince George Thursday for a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of work on the North Coast Transmission Line expansion.

The project will connect Prince George and Terrace and is designed to more than double the electricity supply available to B.C.’s North Coast. Governments say the transmission line will provide the power needed to support major developments already proposed for the region, including the Ksi Lisims liquefied natural gas project and mining operations throughout the Golden Triangle near the Alaska border.

The first phase of the project includes construction of a 165-kilometre transmission line running from Prince George to an area near Fraser Lake.

The federal and provincial governments have identified the project as a cornerstone of future economic growth in northern B.C. Together, the two levels of government estimate the transmission line could contribute nearly $10 billion annually to the provincial economy once major industrial projects connected to the line are operating.

Officials also project the development will create approximately 10,000 direct full-time jobs while supporting another 1,400 jobs during peak construction.

Premier David Eby said the project represents a major investment in B.C.’s future.

“The North Coast Transmission Line is a generational project that will power clean growth and deliver thousands of jobs for families across B.C.,” Eby said in a statement.

The premier added that the line will help diversify the province’s economy and reduce dependence on the United States by supporting the development and export of B.C. resources.

Hodgson described the project as an important step toward strengthening Canada’s economy and energy security.

“Canadians and our allies are looking for a strong grid, critical minerals, LNG, and more, and none of that is possible without affordable power,” he said.

“The North Coast Transmission Line will deliver the clean electricity needed to unlock B.C.’s world-class deposits, power new processing facilities, and secure Canada’s role as a trusted global supplier.”

In July, Ottawa and Victoria announced a combined $3.9 billion commitment to the project. Governments estimate it will generate roughly $950 million annually in provincial and municipal revenues once fully operational.

The project has also received a nearly $140 million loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank to help BC Hydro accelerate pre-construction activities and move the project toward construction more quickly.

The North Coast Transmission Line was referred to the federal Major Projects Office in November 2025 for possible fast-tracking, reflecting its significance to both provincial and national economic development strategies.

With construction now underway, the project is expected to become a key piece of infrastructure supporting growth across northern British Columbia for decades to come.