A planned $33 billion in construction spending for the Churchill Falls hydroelectric plant and the new Gull Island megaproject in Labrador is generating optimism within Newfoundland and Labrador's energy and trades industries. This investment, part of a memorandum of understanding between Newfoundland and Labrador and Hydro-Quebec, is expected to create significant work for unemployed trades members and energy sector companies, with temporary infrastructure construction at Gull Island starting next summer and Churchill Falls extension in 2029.
$33B in construction spending for Labrador megaprojects is welcome news for industry
The Cahill GroupChurchill FallsNewfoundland and LabradorSt. John'sEnergy NLHydro-QuebecTrades NLBob FianderBrad ForseyCEO Charlene JohnsonStéphane JeanHydroelectric power generation
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️
A planned $33 billion in construction spending for the Churchill Falls hydroelectric plant and the new Gull Island megaproject in Labrador is generating optimism within Newfoundland and Labrador's energy and trades industries. This investment, part of a memorandum of understanding between Newfoundland and Labrador and Hydro-Quebec, is expected to create significant work for unemployed trades members and energy sector companies, with temporary infrastructure construction at Gull Island starting next summer and Churchill Falls extension in 2029.
Trending- 1 December (previous year): Memorandum of understanding for Churchill Falls and other projects announced.
- 2 April 2026: MOU set to be finalized.
- 3 Next summer: Construction on Gull Island's temporary infrastructure to begin.
- 4 2029: Construction at the Churchill Falls extension to begin.
- 5 Within 10 years: Power from projects to be in place.
- Significant economic boost for Newfoundland and Labrador
- Job creation for trades and energy sectors
- Development of major energy infrastructure
- Potential for long-term energy supply
What: $33 billion in construction spending is planned for hydroelectric megaprojects in Labrador, specifically the Churchill Falls extension and Gull Island.
When: Announced in December (MOU); set to be finalized in April 2026; next summer (Gull Island temporary infrastructure construction); 2029 (Churchill Falls extension construction); within 10 years (power in place).
Where: Labrador, Churchill Falls, Gull Island, St. John's (Energy N.L. conference), Newfoundland and Labrador.
Why: To expand hydroelectric power generation, provide significant work for the construction and energy sectors in Newfoundland and Labrador, and address high unemployment among trades members.
How: Through a memorandum of understanding between Newfoundland and Labrador and Hydro-Quebec, leading to construction contracts for the projects.