FAQ

• The current approved project budget is $601 million. The project is cost-shared, with the Government of Canada contributing $215 million.
• The contract value is $440.6 million.

After evaluating the bids, the Province awarded the contract on November 6, 2020, to the Kicking Horse Canyon Constructors team, consisting of:

• Aecon Group Inc.
• Parsons Inc.
• Emil Anderson Construction

• Completing safety and reliability improvements to the Trans-Canada Highway through the Kicking Horse Canyon is a top transportation priority. The original alignment had a history of accident rates that were double the provincial average, and is one of the highest rock-fall hazard zones in the province.
• Additionally, upgrading this corridor will support growing Asia-Pacific trade through the Pacific Gateway and increasing tourist travel, contributing significantly to the economy on regional, provincial, and national levels.

• Major improvements to this corridor mean opening up our gateways to all of Canada and to our international trading partners with a safer, less congested corridor to facilitate more efficient movement of goods, services, and people.
• The improved corridor will provide better access to area recreation opportunities, resulting in significant economic value and jobs to the region.
• The Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) allows government to ensure that local people and communities get long-lasting benefits from public investments in major infrastructure projects.
• Key benefits of the CBA include: increased apprenticeships, training opportunities, more opportunities for Indigenous communities and under-represented groups, emphasis on opportunities for local people and businesses, with wages negotiated to align with industry.

• The CBA, as administered by BC Infrastructure Benefits (BCIB), increases opportunities for local workers, Indigenous peoples, women, and other under-represented groups to start a lifelong career in skilled trades.
• The CBA also provides training opportunities for apprentices, building our skilled trade workforce of tomorrow.
• The CBA ensures good wages with fair working conditions that foster a workplace free of discrimination, harassment, and is respectful of the cultural differences of all participants.
• More information on the CBA and BCIB is located at: https://www.bcib.ca

• The project is expected to be substantially complete in winter 2023/24.

• The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has held a number of open houses and interactive presentations for this final phase of the Kicking Horse Canyon Project.
• The project team also meets regularly with a Community Liaison Committee, the BC Trucking Association, and other stakeholders to maintain an ongoing dialogue.
• We will continue to work collaboratively with these groups and all stakeholders throughout the construction period.

• The project lies within the traditional territories of the Secwépemc Nation (Splatsin, Neskonlith Indian Band, Adams Lake Indian Band, Shuswap Indian Band, and Little Shuswap Lake Band) and the Ktunaxa Nation Council (?aqam, Tobacco Plains Indian Band, Lower Kootenay Indian Band, and ?akisqnuk First Nation).
• There is ongoing consultation with Indigenous communities to identify concerns, interests, and impacts on the project footprint.
• This consultation started with the first phase of Kicking Horse Canyon construction and will continue throughout the work to complete Phase 4.

• Construction for the Kicking Horse Canyon Project is subject to provincial and federal environmental legislation and regulations.
• Detailed environmental studies have been completed, and the project team is working with Indigenous groups and stakeholders to minimize impacts to areas of cultural heritage, sensitive ecosystems, wildlife and aquatic habitats, and water quality.
• Project Environmental information is located in our Document Library.