Premier John Horgan said Friday the B.C. government will complete construction of the now $16-billion Site C dam.
The project is more than 50 per cent complete and $6 billion has been spent to date. Here's what's being said about the decision:
B.C. Premier John Horgan: “When we made the decision to move forward with Site C in 2017, none of us could have imagined the impact that the pandemic would have on projects here in B.C. and around the world. The project is facing new challenges, and we are committed to managing it in the best interests of British Columbians. Cancelling it would cause people’s electricity rates to skyrocket, and we will not burden people with additional financial stress during these difficult times with nothing to show for it. Site C is already 50% finished, and our government will complete this project, ensuring British Columbians have clean and affordable power for decades to come.”
Energy Minister Bruce Ralston: "Our government has taken this situation very seriously, and with the advice of independent experts guiding us, I am confident in the path forward for Site C. B.C. needs more renewable energy to electrify our economy, transition away from fossil fuels and meet our climate targets. Site C will help our province achieve these things and is currently employing about 4,500 people in good-paying jobs.
Curtis Haugan, CLAC: “Our members have given everything to this project this year. They have been working literally around the clock, being away from their families for prolonged periods amidst a global pandemic, tackling every challenge that has come their way. To see the news come out that it will proceed as expected is validation for everything they have given to the construction – and eventual completion – of a world class dam.”
Ken Boon, Peace Valley Landowner Association: "If there were still people in BC not outraged over the Site C project before, they should all be now. Today, we found out that the project has jumped in price by $5.3 billion to $16 billion, and completion will be delayed yet one more year. As in 2017, Premier Horgan assured us that everything will now be OK with the project, and it will be built safely. Those assurances that were made in 2017 turned out to be wrong, as predicted by many, so why would we believe the latest assurances? There is a saying that applies very well here: Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. Unfortunately, while the shame and blame will rest with John Horgan and his government, it is the ratepayers of the province that will pay the cost."
Chief Roland Willson, West Moberly First Nation: "We are not at all convinced that this project is safe. The Premier’s decision has grave consequences for West Moberly and other First Nations. His government had a constitutional duty to consult us. That’s the law. It’s been the law for over 20 years. Yet the Premier hasn’t so much as acknowledged our existence on this issue. Is this what he thinks of Indigenous Peoples? Is this what he means by free, prior and informed consent? The court has promised us a judgement before any flooding of the Site C reservoir can begin. The trial preparation is intense and costly. It’s the last place we want to be, but we’ve never been more sure that Site C is a violation of our Treaty rights. If the Premier hasn’t been forced to cancel the project by the time our case is decided, the court will have the opportunity to do that for him."
Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman: "As a local government, we have no authority on decisions. Now that the “go" decision has been made, I am hopeful that the agreement can realign itself with the spirit of the community Measures Agreement that was based on the use of local contractors and local hire."
BC Liberal Opposition Energy Critic Tom Shypitka: "The fact that Site C is proceeding is good news for British Columbians, as it will provide the province with a source of clean and reliable power for the next 100 years. The NDP’s incompetence in managing the project – with costs now having doubled under their watch – is a major source of concern. When John Horgan took over the project, his energy minister confirmed it was on time and on budget. Since then, we have seen bungling, delays, and excuses that are proving costly to taxpayers."
BC Green Leader Sonia Furstenau: "British Columbians should brace themselves, as this isn't the last time they are going to hear about costs going up at Site C. The issues facing Site C are significant and aren't going away. There will be ongoing geotechnical problems impacting public safety, which will further escalate costs."
Jessica Clogg, West Coast Environmental Law: “The decision to move ahead with Site C – despite the mounting geotechnical risks and skyrocketing costs – is yet another blow for Treaty 8 First Nations, Peace Valley communities, farmland, and BC ratepayers. This risky and unneeded project should have been cancelled long ago, but even now, it was not too late to change direction and protect the Peace from further harm.”
