What’s the issue?
The BC Government is expected to announce its decision any day now on whether to cancel or proceed with the controversial mega-dam project, Site C.
Who is impacted by this issue?
All British Columbians, present and future generations, are impacted by this project. Areas of concern include environmental impacts, Indigenous rights and relations, job prospects, and energy demands. The BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) found that continuing on with the project would cost BC as much as $10 Billion rather than the $8.3 billion as was proposed in the original budget, it is unlikely to be completed by 2024 and many questions remain around BC Hydro’s energy demand projections. Cancelling the project and remediation would cost around $1.8 billion.
What is the ideal outcome or state for this issue?
While a mega hydroelectric dam may seem attractive when it comes to meeting BC’s greenhouse gas reduction objectives in the long run, cancelling this project is the best option. Valuable agricultural land will be lost, Indigenous rights violated, and the opportunity to invest in and grow an alternative energy economy is real.
What role is the BC government currently playing?
The BC government is expected to make an announcement very soon. They have done what they promised in the election and tasked the BCUC with completing a review on the financial costs associated with cancelling, suspending, or pursuing Site C. The NDP have not given many clues as to what there decision will be, the BC Green Party supports the cancellation option, and the BC Liberals would like to see the continuation of Site C.
What Next?
Contact your local MLA and BC ministers to let them know what your thoughts are on the Site C dam.
Michelle Mungall, Nelson-Creston MLA and Minister of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources
George Heymann, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Carole James, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier of the Province of British Columbia.
Read the BCUC’s final report here.
