Site C workers’ camp to be repurposed for North Coast Transmission Line

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — BC Hydro is repurposing its Site C hydroelectric dam workers’ camp for the North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL) project.

According to a March 27th press release, BC Hydro has announced it will be repurposing the Site C workers’ camp in Fort St. John for the NCTL project set to run hundreds of kilometres of new electrical infrastructure from Prince George to Terrace. 

“By reusing existing high-quality infrastructure, BC Hydro will meet construction timelines for the North Coast Transmission Line project, which will deliver lasting economic benefits to northern B.C., First Nations’ communities and the province,” the release stated. 

Local organizations had previously floated proposals to repurpose the camp into an educational centre or rehabilitation facility. The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) also raised concerns about the camp, which cost $470 million to construct and maintain, being demolished. 

According to Adrian Dix, the province’s minister of energy and climate solutions, the repurposing is a “win-win” for the province. 

“Repurposing the Site C camp not only prevents unnecessary waste but saves money and time, while supporting a project that will generate significant economic benefits for our province,” Dix said. 

The 1,700-bed camp is expected to close on March 31st, and the camp will be disassembled and prepared for transportation “this spring,” according to BC Hydro. 

The utility stated it would continue negotiations with other organizations which have expressed an interest in the other facilities within the camp, including the theatre, gymnasium structure and other buildings. 

“The North Coast Transmission Line is a nation-building project, built in partnership with First Nations and the government of B.C., that will deliver clean, reliable power to unlock economic opportunities in northern B.C.,” the release noted. 

“The project will twin the existing 500‑kilovolt transmission line between Prince George and Terrace, and north of Terrace to Bob Quinn substation, which will more than double electricity capacity in a region experiencing rapid growth in mining, critical minerals, LNG [liquid natural gas], port development and technology.”

In a statement included in the release, Chief Robert Michell of Stellat’en First Nation; Chief Beverly Ketlo of Nadleh Whut’en First Nation; Chief Priscilla Mueller of Saik’uz First Nation; and Chief Dolleen Logan of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation vocalized their support. 

In the joint statement, they said: “As First Nations partners with BC Hydro on phase one of the NCTL project, we want to ensure minimal environmental impacts.

“Providing new uses for this camp saves construction materials and resources to build new camp infrastructure. These resources can be better used to mitigate impacts on our lands impacted by the NCTL project.

“We will ensure that this historic project is built efficiently and economically.”

BC Hydro has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Ksi Lisims LNG which would see the NCTL supply clean electricity to the proposed floating LNG facility.