Drug and alcohol recoveries reduced at Site C with K9 unit, says BC Hydro

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A K9 detection unit has been in use at Site C since May, which has decreased the number of drug and alcohol recoveries at the entrances to the dam project.

On Tuesday, The Globe and Mail reported that BC Hydro enlisted the support of a drug-sniffing dog after the decriminalization of small amounts of certain illegal drugs on January 31st caused concerns that the substances would be brought to Site C. 

The K9 unit consists of only one dog, named Jazz, who is deployed up to four times per week at the site, focusing on workers arriving at the two main gates.

The K9 checks are in addition to the regular vehicle inspections at the gates, which are both conducted randomly.

The unit works four to eight-hour shifts, alternating between gates A and B.

Since starting in May, there have been 47 seizures of alcohol or legalized cannabis for personal use.

In comparison, the site had 84 seizures from September 2022 to April 2023.

Greg Alexis, manager of public affairs and community relations for Site C, says Jazz helps enforce the Safety Absolutes at the on-site accommodations.

The Safety Absolutes apply to everyone on the site and include the prohibition of the use, possession and distribution of cannabis, illicit drugs or other mood-altering substances, or illicit drug paraphernalia. Workers also can’t report to work while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Many workers operate heavy machinery or work in spaces with several potential hazards,” Alexis said. 

“Ensuring no one is working under the influence of drugs or alcohol is essential to everyone’s safety.”

Alexis says bringing alcohol onto the site is prohibited, but the camp does have a lounge where alcohol is served.