Hudson’s Hope faces “disappointing” water future due to Site C project

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – As the day of voting approaches, the District of Hudson’s Hope continues to speak out about the ‘disappointing’ future of clean drinking water in the community. 

Due to geographical changes brought on by BC Hydro’s Site C project, the community has faced numerous struggles with clean drinking water.

Facing a lack of a permanent solution in the future, the district announced a vote for approval to borrow almost $5 million to build a permanent water treatment plant in July.

During an open house on September 9th, many community members came out to question councilors and voice their opinions and concerns about the situation. 

In an interview with CBC on September 16th, Councillor Tashana Winnicky explained that the possibility of borrowing close to $5 million dollars to build a permanent water treatment plant was ‘disappointing.’ 

“This all, ultimately, kicked off from the Site C Reservoir. Hudson’s Hope was doing very well in terms of water quality and plant operation prior to ever being approached by Site C about changing our water source,” Winnicky explained.

The current drinking water facility, a temporary water treatment plant that costs the district approximately $30,000 a month to rent, is not a reasonable long-term solution. According to Winnicky, the continued rental costs would eventually lead to the district’s bankruptcy. 

“While other communities have been able to derive benefits from Site C agreements, our community is really bearing the brunt of millions of dollars shortfall, which all originated from Site C.”

Winnicky explained that negotiations with BC Hydro about the construction cost for a new water treatment facility and what the utility will contribute financially are ongoing. However, the councillor explained that both sides have different perspectives.

“There’s frustration, there’s fear, people care so much about this community, and what the community looks like, and about how borrowing the money impacts the future and the ability of the district to provide services, but also the longevity to have clean drinking water,”  Winnicky said.