BC Hydro hopeful to resolve conflicts with Site C protesters

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — As it moves forward with construction of the third hydro-electric dam on the Peace River, BC Hydro still hopes to have the project site preparation work completed by the end of March.

This, despite Site-C opponents continuing their protest, blocking the north bank entrance, and defying a Hydro eviction notice issued December 31, giving them 24 hours to leave.

Hydro’s Dave Conway says the Crown Corporation respects the right of individuals to peacefully protest and express their opinions about the project in a safe and lawful manner.

However, he deflected a question about the possibility of Hydro seeking an injunction.

The situation led to Wednesday’s RCMP arrests, and charges of mischief, against three people — including former Peace River Regional District Area C Director, Arthur Hadland.

Mr. Hadland argues Hydro is in massive debt, hasn’t proven Site C is necessary, and — despite claims to the contrary — that the project is neither green nor clean.

That puts Mr. Hadland on the same page as Ken Boone of the Peace Valley Landowners Association, which, along with local area Treaty-8 First Nations, is involved in lengthy legal battles with Hydro and both levels of senior government which have yet to play out in the courts.