BC Hydro GO fund closes following $80,000 contribution to Peace region nonprofits

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — With the Site C hydroelectric dam project just a few months away from completion, BC Hydro has announced the last beneficiaries of its fund for Peace region nonprofits.

The Generate Opportunities (GO) fund was created as part of BC Hydro’s commitment to financially support the Peace region during the dam’s creation. 

This latest allocation of $80,000 is being divided between nine non-profit groups within the region. 

The largest amount went towards the Chetwynd Public Library, which received $10,000 for its Community Crafting program, $5,000 for its AlphaBITES initiative to help feed local kids and $4,700 for its Seed Library Patio Gardens to teach residents about gardening.

Hudson’s Hope’s Hope 4 Health Society received the second-largest sum: $10,000 to provide recreation equipment to low-income residents and $5,000 for a community wellness conference.

Fort St. John’s Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Club Society received $10,000 to build an accessible outhouse for resort visitors with disabilities.

The Wellness Truth Family Counselling and Advocacy Foundation, also based out of Fort St. John, received $10,000 for its programming teaching marginalized youths about life skills, budgeting and financial literacy.

The North Peace Seniors Housing Society received $7,500, which will go towards improving the safety of the housing it provides and preventing falls that could cause potentially serious injuries.

Another organization supporting seniors in the North Peace, the Fort St. John Senior Citizens’ Association Branch #58, received $5,000 to provide them with meals.

The Chetwynd Community Arts Council received $5,000 to run a circus camp for local kids and teens.

A company based out of Prince George and various other southern communities that offers some services in the North Peace – the Sources Community Resources Centres – received $4,500 for specialized training for caregivers of neurodivergent children, to help them toilet train those kids.

The smallest contribution went towards the Fort St. John Association for Community Living, which received $4,100 for a disability-inclusive art program.

This latest allocation means the GO fund has officially provided $1 million to 118 different nonprofit organizations since it launched in 2016.

Northern Development assisted BC Hydro in distributing GO fund money.

“Northern Development is proud to have collaborated with BC Hydro over the past decade,” said Northern Development chief executive officer Ben Campbell in a press release. 

“We extend our gratitude to the individuals who served on the Regional Decision-Making Committee throughout the fund’s duration for their dedication to supporting vulnerable populations within the Peace.”

The fund has now officially closed, with the Site C dam expected to be fully operational by the fall of 2025.