Hydro Electric Plants

Hydro electric plants are the major source of Canada's electricity. It is renewable and relatively nonpolluting. Hydroelectricity was introduced in the late 1800s.

The hydro electric plants plus the associated dams, reservoirs and distribution systems all require the expertise of civil engineers.

The Spray Plant, just outside Canmore, uses the Spray Lakes storage reservoir created by the Canyon Dam, south, and the Three Sister Dam, north. Protecting the environment is very important. TransAlta created an artificial reef in the Spray Lakes reservoir by sinking driftwood. The project was designed to help enhance fish habitat.

Surge Tank

Reservoir below the plant

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Built in 1954, the Bearspaw plant assists in reducing the possibility of winter flooding and ice packing on the Bow River and generates enough electricity to supply energy to approximately 10,700 households.

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More about the dams associated with hydroelectric plants.