The approach channel is an important component of main civil works construction on the Site C Project. The primary purpose of the approach channel is to divert the Peace River from its current course so it goes around the earthfill dam and towards the powerhouse, where the water will be used to generate electricity. Approach channel excavation is a prerequisite to the excavation and eventual construction of the concrete foundation for the generating station, spillways and dam buttress.

Much of the materials excavated from the approach channel area will be used during the construction of other major components of the Site C main civil works, such as the south bank cofferdam, dykes and various site road infrastructure work.