Ontario Construction News staff writer
TC Energy has selected Worley to lead the next phase of development of its proposed Ontario pumped storage project, with EllisDon and AECOM joining the team as the project advances through planning and development.
Worley will lead detailed engineering, project design, cost estimates, execution planning and other project-readiness activities. The project will be in Meaford, on Nottawasaga Bay (a sub-basin of Georgian Bay) between Owen Sound and Collingwood.
The partnership brings together engineering, construction management and project delivery expertise from companies with a significant presence in Ontario and across Canada.
“AECOM is proud to support the Ontario Pumped Storage Project and help advance critical energy infrastructure that will support Ontario’s future electricity needs,” Richard Barrett, Chief Executive of AECOM’s Canada region, said in a statement. “For 115 years, AECOM and its predecessor organizations have partnered with communities across Canada to help deliver the infrastructure that powers economic growth and improves quality of life.
“With this strong Canadian presence and decades of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across the country, we look forward to working alongside our partners to help advance project planning, engineering and delivery readiness while creating opportunities for Canadian businesses, workers and communities.”
The project will advance through TC Energy’s Hire and Buy Local Program, which is intended to provide communities near the project with opportunities to participate in the economic benefits associated with its development.
Worley, EllisDon and AECOM will prioritize local and Indigenous employment, suppliers, services and businesses where practical. The commitments are incorporated into project requirements, with performance tracked and reported throughout project execution.
TC Energy says the program will help connect local workers and businesses with project opportunities, support skilled trades and professional services, increase Indigenous and community participation and strengthen Canadian supply chains.
The Ontario pumped storage project has the potential to become one of the province’s largest energy storage projects. TC Energy says it could help strengthen grid reliability and meet growing electricity demand while creating economic development opportunities for communities.
“The selection of Worley and its partners marks another important step forward for the Ontario pumped storage project,” said Mike Bagale, vice-president, projects, Ontario pumped storage project, TC Energy.
“As we continue advancing project development, we are pleased to welcome Worley, EllisDon, and AECOM to the team. Their combined expertise will help strengthen project planning and engineering activities while supporting Ontario jobs, Canadian businesses, and domestic supply chains.”
Worley senior vice-president, Canada operations, Tim Burnham said the company will work with TC Energy and its partners to leverage local supply chains.
“We are pleased to support TC Energy in the next phase of development of the Ontario pumped storage project,” Burnham said. “With our partners, we are bringing together our collective engineering, procurement and construction expertise to deliver this very important project.”
EllisDon senior vice-president and area manager Josh Manning said the company is proud to participate in the project.
“As a Canadian company with deep roots in Ontario, EllisDon is proud to be part of a team helping advance this important energy infrastructure project,” Manning said.
AECOM Canada region chief executive Richard Barrett said the company brings extensive experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across Canada.
The selection of the Worley-led team represents another step in the development of the pumped storage project as TC Energy advances engineering, planning and project-readiness work.
Worley is a global project delivery company providing engineering, procurement and construction services for energy, chemicals, resources and infrastructure projects. The company has more than 50 years of experience in Canada.
The project is expected to generate opportunities for construction contractors, skilled trades, professional services and suppliers as it progresses through future development and execution phases.
