SNC-LAVALIN AWARDED CONTRACT TO DESIGN AND BUILD 335 MW WANETA EXPANSION
PROJECT IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

MONTREAL, Oct. 25 /CNW Telbec/ - SNC-Lavalin is pleased to announce that it has signed a $587 million contract to design and build the Waneta Expansion, a 335 MW hydroelectric power facility on the Pend d'Oreille River just south of Trail, British Columbia. This project, which is being undertaken through a limited partnership of Fortis Inc, Columbia Power Corporation (CPC) and Columbia Basin Trust (CBT), will provide clean power to British Columbia while stimulating the local economy throughout the execution of the project. On October 10, 2010, Fortis Inc. and CPC/CBT concluded definitive agreements to construct the 335 MW Waneta expansion at an estimated total cost of approximately $900 million. 

"We have been involved in all three expansion projects in the region; the 185 MW Arrow Lakes Generating Station, the 120 MW Brilliant Expansion Project and now the Waneta Expansion Project," said Patrick Lamarre, Executive Vice-President, SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. "We are excited to continue our relationship with CPC and CBT and look forward to working with Fortis Inc. and to further expand our existing hydro expertise in British Columbia as part of our green energy plan."

The project mandate, which includes engineering, design and construction of the facility, the supply, installation and commissioning of two turbine-generator units, all balance of plant equipment and power transformers, and a 230 kV gas insulated switchgear (GIS) building for the new power facility, will require extensive environmental management plans, including special measures for the protection of sturgeon. SNC-Lavalin is committed to incorporating safety and environmental best practices, sustainability, and community interests into every phase of the project life cycle.

Engineering and construction work is already underway and the new facility is expected to go into commercial operation in spring 2015. The project will be booked in SNC-Lavalin's backlog during the fourth quarter.

SNC-Lavalin (TSX:SNC) is one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world and a major player in the ownership of infrastructure, and in the provision of operations and maintenance services. SNC-Lavalin has offices across Canada and in over 35 other countries around the world, and is currently working in some 100 countries. www.snclavalin.com.

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