Construction begins on B.C.’s North Coast Transmission Line

The governments of British Columbia and B.C. announced that construction is underway on the North Coast Transmission Line, committing $3.9 billion toward phases 1 and 2 of the project.

“In a time of global uncertainty, British Columbia is focused on what we can control here at home: diversifying our trading partners and building critical infrastructure to make our province the economic engine of a stronger Canada,” said Premier David Eby. “The North Coast Transmission Line is a generational project that will power clean growth and deliver thousands of jobs for families across B.C.”

Through the Canada-British Columbia Co-operative Prosperity Agreement, signed in July 2026, the federal government is providing funding support toward phases 1 and 2 of B.C.’s NCTL project and has committed to working with the Province to support funding for Phase 3. On November 13, 2025, the NCTL project was referred to the Major Projects Office.

“Canadians and our allies are looking for a strong grid, critical minerals, LNG, and more – and none of that is possible without affordable power,” said Tim Hodgson, federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. “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. By building this vital infrastructure faster and more responsibly, we are taking control of our own future and getting big things built in Canada again.”

Phase 1 is expected to be complete by mid-2030. Construction of Phase 2 is anticipated to begin in 2027 and be complete by winter 2032.

Phase 1 construction focuses on a 165-km, 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission segment running from the Williston Substation near Prince George to the Glenannan Substation near Fraser Lake.

“This critical transmission investment builds on B.C.’s clean energy advantage and unlocks the economic potential of the North Coast,” said Adrian Dix, B.C.’s Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “By expanding our transmission system, we are reducing constraints on the grid, supporting sustainable development and opening new opportunities for trade, investment and job creation that will benefit people throughout the province.”

In November 2025, the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) provided a $139.5-million loan to BC Hydro to fast-track pre-construction work — including engineering, route clearing, and First Nations consultations — ensuring Phase 1 was ready for groundbreaking.

First Nations have the opportunity to co-own up to 50 percent of the new transmission line as part of the project. 

Featured image: (Government of Canada)