Wilsey Fish Passage Project
Fish passage at Wilsey Dam
We studied multiple methods to best allow salmon access to spawning habitats in the Shuswap River above Wilsey Dam and have confirmed decommissioning as the preferred alternative.
BC Hydro has been working with the Wilsey Dam Fish Passage Committee to provide access to 32 kilometres of historical spawning habitat upstream of the Wilsey Dam.
This project involves several complex and interrelated components—including the evaluation of decommissioning, environmental considerations and engagement with First Nations and a diverse group of stakeholders. Our project team, including engineers, environmental specialists and others continue to analyze the data from the Trial Sediment Release, which will streamline the decommissioning process.
Wilsey Dam and the Shuswap Falls powerhouse are located on the Shuswap River about 35 km east of Vernon along Highway 6.
| Project Update/Timelines Project steps | Estimated duration of each step | Earliest completion of each step | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Preliminary investigation of potential Wilsey Dam decommissioning and determine a leading alternative for fish passage. | Complete | Fall 2021 |
| Step 2 | Complete detailed studies to determine feasibility. BC Hydro Board of Directors: review project plans and approve decommissioning as the preferred alternative. | Complete | March 2026 |
| Step 3 | Complete design and submit regulatory applications (e.g., BC Water Comptroller Approvals, DFO Authorization, and Archaeological Assessments). | 1 to 2 years | 2028 |
| Step 4 | Regulatory review and approval. | 12 months | Fall 2029 |
| Step 5 | If approved, detailed design, specifications and procurement is completed and then project construction will start. | 24 months | 2030 |
Reports and documents
- Wilsey Dam Fish Passage Project Update (October 2025) [PDF, 765 KB]
Get in touch
If you'd like to learn more about the project, please contact us at:
Email: david.cooper@bchydro.com
Phone: 250 549 8581