WHEREAS the proposed Site C hydroelectric dam project on the Peace River has raised issues including the potential impact on BC Hydro ratepayers and provincial taxpayers, as well as the potential impacts on agricultural, environmental, aboriginal and municipal interests; AND WHEREAS the District of Hudsons Hope and Peace River Regional District have requested a proper review of the project before any construction or development activities proceed: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province of British Columbia refer the proposed Site C hydroelectric dam project to the BC Utilities Commission for review and consultation prior to any construction and development activities proceeding.
Ministry of Energy Mines Once built, Site C will provide clean, reliable and affordable electricity for more than 100 years. The decision to proceed with Site C is a major public policy decision, most appropriately made by the elected government, not the utilities commission. The costs of Site C have been independently reviewed by KPMG and a panel of independent contractors work that the commission would have contracted out itself regardless. The project has undergone a thorough and independent federal-provincial environmental assessment, including a Joint Review Panel process. This process took three years to complete and included multiple opportunities for consultation and input from the public, Aboriginal groups, communities and stakeholders. The decision to build Site C puts ratepayers first and will maintain British Columbias low-cost power advantage. BC Hydro is committed to working with First Nations, communities and landowners, and will ensure that BC Hydro commitments are met and project benefits are realized.