‘Quality leads’: BC Hydro confirms interest in Site C workers’ camp across Canada and US

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Interests continue to be raised about repurposing the Site C workers’ camp rather than sending it to landfill.

BC Hydro is continuing to acknowledge a “high level of interest” from organizations across North America about the deconstruction of its 1,700-person workers’ camp near Fort St. John. 

The Site C camp houses workers of the nearby Site C hydroelectric dam on the Peace River near Fort St. John, and its construction and eight-year operation and maintenance contract with ATCO subsidiary, Two Rivers Lodging Group, is valued at approximately $470 million. 

In March, BC Hydro caused a stir when it hinted at a possible demolition of the site by contacting the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) about the “sorting requirements and capacity” at the North Peace Regional Landfill.

In the months following, concerns were raised by the PRRD and the public, and the utility reconnected with the PRRD in May, stating it had received a “high level of interest” in third parties acquiring the camp instead.  

According to Bob Gammer, the manager of Site C community relations with BC Hydro, the utility has received a “high level of interest” in the camp since March, with more than 100 organizations having reached out regarding the camp and its assets. 

“We have received a high level of interest about the camp in recent months and remain optimistic the facility can be repurposed,” Gammer said in a September 9th communication. 

“While most inquiries have come from within British Columbia, we’ve also received interest from across Canada and the United States.”

The North Wind Wellness Centre society has been vocal in its desire to acquire the camp, connecting with various provincial ministries and the PRRD in an effort to gain support for the acquisition. 

“At this time, there are currently several interested parties that we feel are quality leads, however more discussions are still needed,” Gammer said.

Site C became fully operational, with all six generating units turned on, in August this year.