BC Hydro offers funds for Hudson’s Hope water treatment plant

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Two days before the conclusion of voting on a borrowing decision for a new water treatment plant, the District of Hudson’s Hope has released an offer of support from BC Hydro.

On October 3rd shortly after 5:30, the district released and acknowledged an offer from BC Hydro regarding a permanent water treatment solution for the community.

The offer was released to ensure that voters ‘are making decisions from an equally informed position’ on an October 5th vote to borrow almost $5 million to begin building a permanent water treatment facility.

Residents have gathered to voice their thoughts on the matter ahead of the vote, both at a September open house and roadside gatherings. 

According to the district, BC Hydro’s offer of support includes fully funding the completion of the surface water treatment system and providing project management, lead procurement, and construction. The utility also offered to fund the monthly costs of the rental clarifier and the transfer of ownership of the raw water intake to the district at no cost. 

This offer is significantly different from an offer the district received in June and removes the monthly expense of the clarifier, which Councillor Tashana Winnicky stated in a September interview with CBC cost the district approximately $30,000 a month.

“The District continues to work towards a final agreement with BC Hydro to define the details of the offer and how it will be implemented,” the district’s release read.

To protect the integrity of the October 5th vote, the district will not comment further on the offer.