Hudson’s Hope signs agreement with BC Hydro for water treatment plant

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – An agreement is being finalized between Hudson’s Hope and BC Hydro for a permanent water treatment plant after months of contention and negotiation. 

On February 12th, the District of Hudson’s Hope released a public notice on the future of a permanent water treatment system in the community. 

The notice stated BC Hydro submitted a revised proposal to the district in September 2024, which detailed the completion of a permanent water treatment system as well as funds for the rental of a water clarifier until the permanent clarifier is operational. 

In July 2024 the District of Hudson’s Hope announced a vote to borrow $5 million for the construction of a permanent water treatment solution, as the existing system was not feasible for the district to maintain in the future. 

The district originally acquired the water treatment plant during the construction of BC Hydro’s Site C hydroelectric dam project, which left the district unable to use its former water treatment system. 

The district held an open house for residents on the future of the water treatment plant and the implications of the loan, and many attendees voiced their frustrations with BC Hydro. 

Shortly after the open house, negotiation letters between the district and BC Hydro appeared in a leaked staff report, with the utility offering some financial contributions to a new permanent water system but only if the district agreed to a liability release for BC Hydro. 

If granted, a liability release would relieve BC Hydro of any responsibility if the district experiences any water-related problems in the future, even if they are related to Site C.  

In late September, residents gathered for a roadside demonstration of their disappointment in BC Hydro which intended to intercept two of the utility’s executives in town for a meeting with BC Hydro workers in the district. 

Days before the vote for the $5 million loan, the district received and released a new offer of support from BC Hydro, which detailed financial and logistical support for a new permanent water treatment plant.

After residents voted to approve the application for $5 million, the district council made it clear at its next meeting that negotiations would continue with BC Hydro to find the best solution for the community. 

Mayor Travous Quibell stated residents approving the loan does not mean the full amount will be necessary, but the district continued with the process due to the “tight and strict” timeline of the borrowing bylaw. 

“If we don’t continue down the path, we won’t make the timeline for the next round of borrowing with [the Municipal Finance Authority of B.C],” Quibell said at the October meeting. 

In the February public notice, the district explained it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the utility in December 2024. The legal document does not cement specifics but confirms both parties have a similar understanding and desire a common outcome. 

The district states it has since been working closely with BC Hydro to finalize the design of the plant and complete negotiations for a final agreement.