Peter Sutherland Sr. Generating Station
Ontario Power Generation and Coral Rapids Power Corporation (a company wholly owned by Taykwa Tagamou Nation) are equity partners in the Peter Sutherland Sr. Generating Station. Named after a respected community elder, the 28 MW hydroelectric power station is remotely located at the confluence of the Abitibi River and New Post Creek within the Taykwa Tagamou Nation traditional territory of northeastern Ontario. A portion of the flows from New Post Creek have been harnessed to provide clean, renewable hydroelectric energy.
KGS Group worked closely with Ontario Power Generation and Coral Rapids Power through the conceptual and preliminary design stages, ultimately acting as the owner’s representative through the design-build construction phase that was performed by Kiewit and Aecon. KGS Group staff were onsite throughout construction assisting and collaborating with the owners and contractor team.
Construction was completed safely, on budget, and ahead of schedule. The project is not only an investment into Ontario’s clean energy future; it is a symbol of reconciliation and the culmination of a strong partnership between Taykwa Tagamou Nation and Ontario Power Generation that will benefit the community for generations.
Project Highlights
- Powerhouse construction with two horizontal‑axis Francis turbines with a total plant capacity 28 MW
- Gated intake structure and approach channel with controlled conveyance from New Post Creek
- 4 m diameter steel penstock 250 m long
- 520 m long embankment dam with a cement-bentonite core
- Two-bay gated spillway
Mayo B Hydro Enhancement Project
KGS Group was retained by the Yukon Energy Corporation to review feasible hydro projects in the territory, which culminated in the selection of the Mayo B project. To develop the $120 million Mayo B, KGS entered into an early contractor involvement alliance partnership, sharing the financial risks and project rewards. This partnership was the first of its kind in the Canadian hydroelectric industry.
We conducted a feasibility study as well as completed the preliminary and final design of a new powerhouse downstream of the existing Mayo hydroelectric development. Reusing the already in-place dam and intake structure, the work also included connecting and conveying water to the new powerhouse through a new 3.8 km tunnel and penstock system.
Overcoming challenging conditions to make way for the new tunnel and “tie it” into 60-year old infrastructure, we used careful mapping and characterization. This helped support concurrent tunnel design and excavation, and slope stabilization. Precision LiDAR 3-D survey techniques and modelling were also integral to the work.
Within a remote, sub-arctic climate, KGS was also responsible for on-site construction management including all contract administration and quality assurance for the civil, mechanical and electrical works, as well as the supply and installation of the turbines and generator equipment.
As a result, total hydro power generation capacity went from 5.4 MW to 12 MW, increasing Yukon’s renewable and sustainable electricity generation capability. The on-budget, on-schedule project also displaces diesel generation, offsetting up to $10 million in annual fuel costs and eliminating approximately 25,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year.
Project Highlights
- A new downstream powerhouse and 3.8 km tunnel and penstock system
- Integrated new infrastructure with the existing 60-year-old dam and intake infrastructure
- Generation capacity increased from 5.4 MW to 12 MW
- Up to $10 million/year fuel cost offset
- 25,000 tonnes of CO₂ avoided per year
- $120M project completed on time and on schedule
New Museum Building for the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
The new Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada is a state‑of‑the‑art, 86,000 square foot facility housing more than 20 aircraft, 14 galleries, meeting rooms, classrooms, a gift shop and an observation lounge overlooking active runways. KGS Group engineered the energy‑efficient facility targeting LEED Silver certification, balancing visitor experience with performance, constructability and budget.
Working with the Museum, curator, architect, Winnipeg Airports Authority and utility owners, KGS Group’s multidisciplinary team brought the interactive galleries to life and resolved complex requirements including environmental temperature and humidity control for displays and the illumination of the grounds, building façade and galleries.
The final energy model demonstrated 39.1% annual energy savings, achieved through coordinated “out‑of‑the‑box” design strategies and rigorous quality assurance. Stakeholder concerns and issues were addressed, including energy savings, budgeting and LEED certification. The result provides Winnipeg with a destination go-to attraction and venue that welcomes visitors from across Canada and beyond.
Project Highlights
- Design and commissioning of temperature and humidity stabilization and humidification systems for artifacts
- High‑efficiency HVAC and building automation to achieve energy targets, showing 39.1% annual savings
- Electrical distribution and specialty power for interactive exhibits, AV and classrooms
- Fire protection and life‑safety systems tailored to large artifacts and public assembly spaces
- Quality assurance and internal project management including design reviews, constructability checks, and commissioning support
Pointe du Bois Spillway Replacement
The Pointe du Bois Generating Station is the oldest operating hydroelectric plant in Manitoba. Despite extensive upgrades and ongoing maintenance over the years, the original spillway required replacement. The Pointe du Bois Spillway Replacement project included the design and construction of a new remotely operated 7-bay spillway and a new 1km long zoned earthfill dam, complete with an ancillary support building for electrical switch gear and control systems, a backup diesel generator, and other related infrastructure.
As the prime consultant, KGS Group worked collaboratively with Manitoba Hydro as the designer in an early contractor involvement project delivery process. KGS also provided full-time technical support and quality assurance assistance through construction, commissioning and close-out activities.
The final design was carried out entirely within a 3D digital environment, and was paramount for the successful execution of all stages of the project. This innovative approach gave the team the ability to visualize the end product at the design stage and enabled harmonious advancement of the project across multiple disciplines.
The several hundred-million-dollar project was successfully completed without any interruptions to the ongoing operation of the plant, while protecting and preserving established lake sturgeon habitat and restoring the natural landscape in this environmentally sensitive provincial park setting.
Project Highlights
- New remotely operated seven bay spillway, support building and backup diesel generator
- New 1km long zoned earthfill embankment dam
- 3D digital design environment
- The several hundred‑million‑dollar capital program was completed without operational interruptions
- Enhanced safety and control, extended asset life and a more reliable discharge capacity
- Lake sturgeon habitat protected and the landscape in the provincial park was restored