As part of the Nelson River Hydroelectric Project, the power station was completed in 1973 and the last generator commissioned in 1974.

It has an installed capacity of 1,220 megawatts (1,640,000 hp) and is the second largest power station in Manitoba.

First, the power house was constructed after a circular coffer dam was set on the right side of the river.

At this point, the turbines and generators were loaded into the power house and the earth-fill section on the dam's left bank was completed.

Each turbine can discharge up to 270 m3/s (9,535 cu ft/s) and are afforded 30 m (98 ft) of hydraulic head.