North Coast Transmission Line Expansion Underway, 10,000 Jobs
North Coast Transmission Line Expansion Underway, 10,000 Jobs
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Key Points
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The first phase of the North Coast Transmission Line is a 165-kilometre segment running from Prince George to near Fraser Lake, not all the way to Terrace.
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The line is identified as powering the Ksi Lisims LNG facility and mining activity in B.C.'s Golden Triangle near the Alaska border.
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A groundbreaking ceremony in Prince George for the project featured Premier David Eby and federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson.
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The federal government characterizes the transmission line as the 'foundation' for developing northwestern British Columbia's resources.
Construction has begun on British Columbia's North Coast Transmission Line, a major electricity project designed to nearly double power supply to the northwest. The first phase spans 165 kilometres from Prince George toward Fraser Lake and will power LNG facilities and mining operations in the Golden Triangle near Alaska's border. Newsy Today reports the federal and provincial governments committed a combined $3.9 billion to the project, which is projected to create roughly 10,000 direct full-time jobs during construction and operation.
Premier David Eby and federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson attended the groundbreaking ceremony, framing the transmission line as a generational investment for clean economic growth. National Observer notes the project is expected to generate approximately $950 million annually in provincial and municipal revenue once operational. BC Hydro also secured nearly $140 million in a Canada Infrastructure Bank loan to accelerate pre-construction work.
Powering Resource Development in Northern British Columbia
The North Coast Transmission Line is the foundation for developing northwestern B.C.'s untapped resources. My East Kootenay Now reports the project will power the Ksi Lisims LNG facility and mining activity concentrated in the Golden Triangle region. The transmission line addresses a critical energy bottleneck that has limited industrial expansion in the northwest for decades.
Federal leaders see the project as strengthening Canada's energy security and global leadership in reliable, affordable power. The expanded electricity capacity positions British Columbia to attract major resource projects and compete on the international stage for LNG exports and mineral production.
Jobs and Economic Impact Across Northern Communities
The project is expected to create roughly 10,000 direct full-time jobs once operational, plus approximately 1,400 peak-construction roles during building phases. My Nelson Now highlights the employment opportunities across multiple northern communities along the transmission corridor. These positions span engineering, construction, operations, and maintenance roles.
Provincial and municipal governments will receive about $950 million in annual revenue when the line becomes operational, funding schools, hospitals, and infrastructure in sparsely populated regions. The economic multiplier effect extends beyond direct employment to supply chains, housing, and local services supporting construction workers and permanent staff.
Fast-Track Approval Under Federal Major Projects Office
The federal government referred the North Coast Transmission Line to the Major Projects Office in November 2025 for possible fast-tracking, signaling the project's strategic importance to national growth. This designation accelerates environmental review and permitting timelines compared to standard regulatory processes. Kimberley Bulletin reported the project spans northern B.C., connecting Prince George to the Terrace area.
BC Hydro's $140 million Canada Infrastructure Bank loan demonstrates federal confidence in the project's viability and urgency. The combined $3.9 billion investment from Ottawa and Victoria represents one of Canada's largest recent infrastructure commitments to provincial electricity capacity expansion.
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