BC Hydro reports ‘high’ third party interest in Site C camp amid disposal concern

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — BC Hydro says it is working to mitigate the amount of the Site C workers camp which ends up in local landfills by transferring the camp to a third-party. 

During the May 1st regional board meeting of the Peace River Regional District (PRRD), the directors reviewed a letter from BC Hydro about the demolition of the Site C workers camp.

The directors had previously discussed the camp in March after receiving an inquiry about disposing of the camp in landfills in the region, and had voted to seek legal advice regarding its options refusing such an action. 

The 1,700-person camp was established to support the construction of BC Hydro’s hydroelectric dam project Site C near Fort St. John on the Peace River. 

The camp consists of 21 three-story dorm units; 39 three-story corridors; 132 kitchen, dining and recreation units; 24 modular offices; a fitness building; a gymnasium and a theatre. 

The letter received during the May meeting stated BC Hydro has received a “high level of interest” from third parties in acquiring the camp.

The utility stated it remains positive the structure will be repurposed rather than demolished.

“We are currently working with our contractor ATCO on a decommissioning plan to ensure proper removal should we be unsuccessful in finding a party interested in obtaining and repurposing the facility,” BC Hydro also wrote. 

BC Hydro confirmed the plan would be shared with the district when it is completed. 

It also invited the board to a tour of the camp, and staff confirmed the utility had reached out with a variety of dates to coordinate with the directors.