Summary 

• The North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL) will create 9,700 direct full-time jobs once finished and employ as many as 1,400 workers at peak construction
• NCTL is expected to contribute nearly $10 billion per year to B.C.’s economy and generate approximately $950 million annually in provincial and municipal revenue
• It will help reduce B.C.’s economic reliance on the United States, as part of B.C.’s Look West strategy for jobs

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Construction is underway on the North Coast Transmission Line, a major infrastructure project that will create thousands of family-supporting jobs, expand access to clean electricity and help reduce the Province’s economic reliance on the United States.

The project will generate tens of billions of dollars in economic activity by powering major projects in the mining and energy sectors, and ensure communities and industries have the electricity needed to grow and thrive as another step forward in the Province’s Look West strategy.

“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.”

Supporting jobs and communities

By expanding transmission capacity, the NCTL will help secure significant private-sector investment leading to long-term economic growth in northern B.C. The line will also strengthen key export industries and support trade diversification.

The transmission line is expected to support the development of major industrial projects that will create approximately 9,700 direct full-time jobs, contribute nearly $10 billion annually to B.C.’s provincial GDP and generate approximately $950 million in annual revenue for the Province and local governments.

At peak construction, approximately 1,400 workers are expected across Phase 1 and Phase 2. The project will support local businesses, create job opportunities beyond line construction and contribute to regional economies.

Through the Canada-British Columbia Co-operative Prosperity Agreement, 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. This long-term partnership between federal and provincial governments is built around B.C.’s position as Canada’s Pacific Gateway and its world-class strengths in clean energy, natural resources, critical minerals and trade infrastructure.

“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.”

The transmission line is recognized nationally as essential infrastructure for B.C.’s northwest and the future of Canada’s critical mineral sector.

“Our government is committed to building the infrastructure B.C. needs to power economic growth, support communities and create new opportunities right across the province,” said Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and federal Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “Today’s groundbreaking of the North Coast Transmission Line marks a major milestone for B.C.’s clean energy future and at a critical time for Canada, our government is focused on building a stronger, more resilient economy. Together we are building B.C. and Canada strong.”

Expanding clean power for economic growth

The North Coast Transmission Line is one of the 35 major projects the Province is prioritizing as a part of the Look West strategy. NCTL is a multi-phase project that will strengthen the backbone of B.C.’s electricity system in the North, connecting growing industrial hubs and communities with clean power.

“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.”

Electricity demand in the region – driven by mining, LNG, ports and emerging industries – now exceeds the capacity of the existing 500-kilovolt line between Prince George and Terrace. To address this, BC Hydro is advancing the project in two phases: Phase 1 from Prince George to Glenannan (west of Fraser Lake), and Phase 2 extending west toward Terrace. These two phases will more than double transmission capacity, support industrial electrification, enable regional growth, and unlock tens of billions of dollars in investment, while creating thousands of jobs.

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.

Advancing partnerships with First Nations

First Nations are key partners in the project, with work ongoing to finalize co-ownership agreements by the end of this year. These provide First Nations with a direct stake in the project’s success, including economic returns, jobs, capacity building and sustained revenue over time.

This milestone underscores a collective approach to advancing the project in a way that respects Indigenous rights, supports economic participation and delivers lasting benefits for communities across the North.

Strengthening B.C.’s clean energy future

The North Coast Transmission Line is part of B.C.’s broader effort outlined in the Powering Growth plan to expand and modernize the electricity system to meet growing demand. By increasing capacity and building new grid infrastructure, the project will support economic growth, enable electrification, and help reduce emissions while strengthening energy reliability throughout the province.

Recognized by the Government of Canada as a nation-building project through the project’s referral to the federal Major Projects Office, the NCTL will play a critical role in powering a strong, sustainable future for people in British Columbia.

Learn More:

• To learn more about how B.C. is powering growth visit: https://www.bchydro.com/content/dam/BCHydro/customer-portal/documents/corporate/regulatory-planning-documents/powering-growth/powering-growth-plan.pdf
• Read the full 'Look West': Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger B.C. and Canada strategy here: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest
• Learn more about the Look West Strategy Goals progress here: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWestGoals
• Learn more about major projects here: https://gov.bc.ca/MajorProjects 
• Learn about the other ways the Province is building a stronger B.C. economy here: https://gov.bc.ca/StrongEconomy

 A backgrounder follows.