Box Canyon Hydro Electric Project

Howe Sound, BC

Run-of-river hydroelectric project with multiple intake structures, over 8 kilometres of penstock, powerhouse, and transmission line connection to BC Hydro’s grid

The Box Canyon Hydroelectric project is a privately owned 15MW clean energy project located on the west shore of Howe Sound, approximately 14km northeast of Gibsons, BC in the traditional territory of the Squamish Nation. The project uses stream flow from three tributaries to McNab Creek (Box Canyon, Marty, and Cascara Creeks) to feed a powerhouse that generates 15MW of clean renewable energy – enough hydroelectricity to power approximately 4500 homes.

Jacob Bros worked collaboratively with the project owner and Squamish Nation to ensure the Nation shared in the economic benefits associated with project construction. An Implementation Committee was established with the goal of maximizing employment, contracting, and training opportunities for Squamish Nation community members, member-owned businesses, and partner affiliates.

A Squamish Nation artisan carver was engaged to create a sign for the powerhouse and once operational, Squamish Nation elders ceremonially cleansed the project and blessed it for a long and prosperous operation.