CASTLEGAR: B.C. Hydro will temporarily drain the Kootenay Canal this summer to support important maintenance work as part of the canal lining improvement project. To ensure public and worker safety, temporary trail closures will be in place during construction.
Draining the canal will allow crews to safely access, inspect and repair sections of the canal that are normally underwater. This work is part of BC Hydro's ongoing efforts to maintain critical infrastructure and ensure the long-term reliability of the Kootenay Canal Generating Station.
Water levels in the canal are expected to begin lowering on August 17, with refilling anticipated to start September 27.
Drained section of the Kootenay Canal during maintenance work, with workers inspecting the canal bed (2014).
Temporary trail closures
To maintain public and worker safety, sections of the walking trail along the canal will be temporarily closed from July 20 through to September 30 as they are within or adjacent to active construction areas.
Access to the trail will remain open between the central pool (the widest section of the canal) and the downstream gate. Visitors can continue to access this area by parking at the pullout below the central pool. This is also where the public can view the canal draining and refilling process. Visitors are asked to follow posted signage and stay clear of work areas during construction.
System operations
While the canal is temporarily out of service, water will be managed through other parts of the system including routing flows through Corra Linn Dam along the Kootenay River. Environmental monitoring crews will be on-site for the duration of the project, including when the canal is drained, to collect and release fish that may become stranded.
Canal lining improvement project background
This work is part of a multi-phase project to replace aging joint sealant between concrete sections of the 4.5-kilometre canal. The canal is made up of more than 500 concrete slabs, and the existing sealant is nearing the end of its service life.
This multi-phase project will involve nearly 50 workers from planning through completion and represents an important investment in maintaining the canal's long-term integrity and performance.
The canal is expected to be drained again in 2028 as part of the second phase of this project and additional updates will be shared closer to that work.
By maintaining and upgrading this critical infrastructure, BC Hydro is helping ensure the Kootenay Canal Generating Station continues to safely provide clean, reliable electricity for decades to come.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
Email: media@bchydro.com
Phone: 604 928 6468