Expertise in Hydroelectric Dam Construction and Hydrokinetic Power Systems
With over 40 years of experience in hydroelectric dam construction and rehabilitation, Equinox Construction Services supports owners, operators, and developers at every stage of their hydraulic and hydrokinetic infrastructure lifecycle.
Our team works across the full project spectrum, from new Greenfield developments to the rehabilitation of existing brownfield infrastructure.
Responding to the Real Challenges of Hydropower
According to the UNDRR, the average age of U.S. hydroelectric dams is 56 years, while 75% of dam failures occur after 50 years. Yet more than 85% of these structures are already operating beyond their intended lifespan. This reality raises major concerns regarding safety, performance, and long-term sustainability.
High-performance dam construction and carefully managed rehabilitation are essential to energy resilience and sustainable water resource management. At Equinox, we provide practical, field-adapted solutions scaled to the complexity of each site.
Dam Projects We Deliver
Equinox Construction Services supports public and private developers with:
- Run-of-river power plant construction
- Dam rehabilitation and upgrades
- Hydroelectric facility modernisation projects in Quebec, Ontario, and internationally
We work within flexible contractual models, including:
- EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction
- EPCM (Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management)
- BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, Transfer)
- Other customized approaches
From concept through long-term operations, we’re with you at every stage.
Equinox Construction Services becomes involved at the earliest project stages to ensure long-term viability:
- Technical, regulatory, and financial feasibility studies
- Environmental and operational constraint analysis
- Strategic planning and construction sequencing aligned with owner operational requirements
This phase establishes the strategic foundation for a safe, reliable, and profitable project. It applies to both traditional hydropower facilities and hydrokinetic power systems, which require detailed evaluation of natural flow conditions and local integration constraints.
During construction, we act as EPC/EPCM manager or owner's representative, providing rigorous project leadership across:
- Coordination of design, planning, and budgeting phases
- Proactive cost, schedule, and change management
- Permit tracking, regulatory inspections, and environmental compliance
- Construction supervision, quality control, safety oversight, and commissioning of dams and associated systems
- Coordination of subcontractors, consultants, suppliers, technical experts, and public stakeholders
Our field-driven approach and deep site knowledge translate directly into reliable, safe, and durable hydroelectric projects — built to the industry's highest standards.
Once a dam is operational, Equinox remains actively involved to ensure continued performance, safety, and longevity. An operating dam is a strategic asset — one that requires targeted, planned, or corrective interventions without disrupting production.
Our specialized teams quickly deliver:
- Troubleshooting and modernization work, particularly on control and operational systems
- Dewatering operations and intake structure refurbishment, including mechanical adjustments, safety upgrades, and ice prevention system integration
- Replacement of hydromechanical equipment in compliance with strict industry standards and site constraints
Each intervention begins with a precise diagnosis, followed by detailed technical planning and execution under the highest safety standards.
Our objective: extend asset life, ensure regulatory compliance, and maximise long-term return.
Field Expertise You Can Rely On
Our teams have delivered projects of all scales, including:
Run-of-river facilities in remote or constrained sites
Integration of next-generation hydromechanical equipment
Rehabilitation of operating dams without service interruption
Infrastructure upgrades to meet evolving safety standards
Every project is managed with the discipline of a contractor who understands field realities, anticipates challenges, and adapts to site-specific conditions.
Hydroelectric and Hydrokinetic Projects We Are Proud Of
Since 2014, our teams have successfully completed over 50 projects in Quebec, Ontario, and across North America.
Discover Our Projects
Public partners, private developers, and infrastructure operators have chosen Equinox to lead or support their projects.
Equinox Construction Services (ECS) was mandated as part of the Three Corner Lake Dam rehabilitation...
Equinox Construction Services (ECS) was mandated to execute the replacement of Emergency Spillway Gate...
Equinox Construction Services (ECS) was mandated to support the rehabilitation and upgrade of hydromechanical ...
Equinox Construction Services (ECS) was mandated to design, supply, and install a dam safety boom system...
Equinox Construction Services (ECS) was mandated to design, supply, and install a debris safety boom...
Equinox Construction Services (ECS) was mandated to support the installation of a safety boom ...
Equinox Construction Services (ECS) was mandated to support the construction of a reinforced concrete structure...
Equinox Construction Services (ECS) was mandated to provide in-service support for the de-icing system ...
Equinox Construction Services (ECS) was mandated to support the Norland HP hydroelectric facility throug...
Equinox Construction Services (ECS) provided project management and coordination support for capital...
A Certified Team Working Hand in Hand with Industry Associations…
…Strong Industry Partnership
Understanding Your Reality. Addressing Your Challenges
At Equinox Construction Services, we take a practical, responsible, and committed approach to engineering. That’s why our team specializes in hydropower — a clean, reliable, and sustainable energy source with a low footprint on the territories and ecosystems it operates within.
General Manager Equinox Construction Services
