A significant electricity transmission project is currently in progress in northern British Columbia, with the aim of boosting the province’s economy by nearly $10 billion annually.
The North Coast Transmission Line expansion is set to connect Prince George to Terrace near the North Coast, effectively doubling the electricity supply to the region. This project, initially submitted to the federal Major Projects Office in November 2025 for potential fast-tracking, is poised to support key developments such as the Ksi Lisims liquefied natural gas facility and mining activities in B.C.’s Golden Triangle near the Alaskan border.
The first phase of the project involves constructing a 165-kilometre segment from Prince George to near Fraser Lake. The federal government views this transmission line as the core infrastructure for the economic growth of northwestern B.C.’s resources, while the B.C. government anticipates it will help lessen the province’s economic dependence on the United States.
Both levels of government have pledged a combined $3.9 billion for the project, projecting the creation of approximately 10,000 direct, full-time jobs once operational and 1,400 jobs at the peak of construction. The annual provincial and municipal revenue generated is estimated to be around $950 million.
During a groundbreaking event in Prince George, Premier David Eby and federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson expressed confidence in the project’s potential to fuel clean growth and job creation across British Columbia. Hodgson emphasized the importance of the North Coast Transmission Line in securing Canada’s position as a leading global supplier by providing the necessary clean electricity for unlocking B.C.’s valuable resources.
Supported by a loan of nearly $140 million from the Canada Infrastructure Bank to BC Hydro, the project is well underway, with the goal of expediting preconstruction work to facilitate the groundbreaking.
