Site C employment continues to decline as project nears completion

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — BC Hydro has reported another gradual decline in employment at the Site C dam as work on the project continues toward completion next year.

The utility’s latest workforce statistics show 1,130 people were employed on the Peace River’s hydroelectric dam project in September 2025, down from 1,251 in August.

Of those workers, 930 – or roughly 82 per cent – were primary B.C. residents. The proportion of workers from the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) rose notably, with 205 employees – 31 per cent – of the construction and non-construction contractor workforce calling the region home.

In raw numbers, however, the 205 PRRD residents are a decrease from the 273 reported in August (21.8 per cent).

Among the workforce, there were 34 Indigenous employees (roughly three per cent) and 119 women (roughly 10.5 per cent) reported working for Site C construction and non-construction contractors. 

This is a decrease in both proportion and numerical totals compared to last month’s 167 women (about 13 per cent) and 50 Indigenous employees (about four per cent).

The number of apprentices employed at the facility also fell slightly, from 14 in August to 11 in September.

BC Hydro said that, as major milestones are completed, total employment is expected to continue trending downward through 2026, when the project is fully completed.

No workers were employed through the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program in September, though four management and professional positions were filled through the International Mobility Program.

The Site C dam became fully operational in August, with all six generating units now online. 

Remaining work focuses on completing the powerhouse and generating station, paving access roads, commissioning final equipment and addressing any remaining deficiencies.