In 2010, Ledcor developed and completed construction on the Fitzsimmons Creek Hydroelectric project in Whistler, British Columbia, in partnership with Innergex Renewable Energy. This run-of-river plant harnesses energy from Fitzsimmons Creek by diverting partial water flows through a Coanda-style intake structure to a highly dense, steel polyethylene penstock, then to the generating equipment located in the powerhouse.
The 7.5 megawatt facility started generating power in January 2011, and meets power production targets while producing no net emissions. The project produces 33.5 gigawatt hours, enough to power Whistler Blackcomb’s summer and winter operations for one year.
Taking a year and a half to complete, Ledcor was not only the general contractor for this design-build project, but also responsible for filling for water licenses along with managing permitting and turn-up processes. While self-performing all scopes from the earthworks, concrete works and penstock installation to the mechanical and electrical scope, Ledcor completed the project six months ahead of schedule and within budget.