FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2026
New BC Hydro plan will power the province and put people to work
IUOE Local 115 supports exploration of new hydroelectric dams at Site E and the Homathko River
The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115 (IUOE 115) supports BC Hydro’s new comprehensive plan to meet BC’s growing demand for electricity, which is projected to grow 20% by 2030 and 50% by 2050. That includes the exploration of new hydroelectric dams at Site E and Homathko near Bute Inlet on the Central Coast.
“Having this plan and exploring the construction of this hydro infrastructure is crucial, not only to power BC’s economy, but to ensure our energy sovereignty,” said Bryan Railton, business manager for IUOE 115. “We need more energy infrastructure to power our homes, our businesses and our industry. This plan helps to support that growth.”
BC Hydro’s plan to “conserve, optimize and build” shows that the crown corporation is taking on the necessary planning to support long-term economic development. This is a generational opportunity for British Columbia. BC Hydro was created in the 1960s because of unprecedented economic growth at the time. Now, it is clearly time for the crown corporation, owned by BC residents, to grow significantly once again.
“We have 50, 60 and 70-year members who cut their teeth building the WAC Bennett Dam, Arrow Lakes, Mica, Revelstoke and more,” said Railton. “IUOE 115 members have been leading the way in dam construction for many generations now.”
The announcement of this plan and possible dams at Site E and Homathko come as both the provincial and federal governments are investing heavily in trades training.
The provincial government has committed $241 million to add thousands of trades training seats across BC, while the federal government recently announced $6 billion to support those who wish to pursue careers in the trades.
“The workers who opt into careers in the trades now will have plenty of rewarding work in front of them,” said Railton. “When you look at the possibility of these dams and the other major projects coming to BC, our operating engineers and all tradespeople have many, many busy years ahead.”
About IUOE 115
Since 1931, IUOE Local 115 has helped to build some of the most important infrastructure in B.C., serving all British Columbians in their day-to-day lives. Our slogan, “rise above”, refers to our 14,000+ members who work in high altitude or high-risk environments, including mechanics, road builders, crane and heavy equipment operators, and dam builders.
Media Contact
Jeremy Allingham
Allingham Strategies
604-805-1423
jeremy@allinghamstrategies.com