BC Hydro to open two new boat launches on Nááchę mege reservoir

HUDSONS HOPE, B.C. — BC Hydro will be opening two new boat launches at its newest Peace River reservoir. 

In a June 22nd press release, BC Hydro announced that two new public boat launches will open on Nááchę mege, formerly known as the Site C reservoir, on June 26th.

The Site C reservoir was named Nááchę mege, which translates to “Dramer Lake,” on May 21st.

BC Hydro said the opening of the Lynx Creek and Halfway River boat launches will mark a “major milestone” after completion of reservoir filling, which took place in the fall of 2024.

“The new Lynx Creek and Halfway River boat launches will provide the public with new opportunities for safe and managed access to the reservoir,” the release said.

A floating dock at the D.A. Thomas Recreation site will also open on June 22nd, according to BC Hydro. 

On May 1st, BC Hydro said it was “hopeful” three new Site C boat launches would open by early summer.

In an April 30th statement provided to Energeticcity.ca, BC Hydro said it was working with contractors to determine when the reservoir slopes would be stable enough for the public to use the reservoir safely. 

Bob Gammer, BC Hydro’s Community Relations Manager for northern B.C., said in the June release that the public’s safety remains the company’s top priority and that engineering and geological teams have been monitoring the reservoir and surrounding slopes. 

“Based on what we’re seeing, we’re ready to open these sites for safe public use,” Gammer said. 

BC Hydro thanked local communities for their patience and understanding as they monitored conditions and prepared to safely open the sites, calling their cooperation “essential,” according to Gammer. 

The D.A. Thomas Recreation site in Hudson’s Hope was officially opened on May 14th.

On August 12th 2024, BC Hydro permanently closed the existing Halfway River boat launch as the company began filling the reservoir. 

BC Hydro also previously closed the boat launches at Lynx Creek and D.A. Thomas.  

On November 7th, the filling of the Nááchę mege reservoir was officially completed. 

Since the completion of the reservoir filling, BC Hydro has continued to monitor slope stability, erosion, and overall conditions of the reservoir.

“That work shows the reservoir and nearby slopes are performing as expected,” the release said. “Opening the new boat launches reflects the success of that careful approach.” 

Boaters are reminded that conditions on the reservoir can change at a moment’s notice and are encouraged to follow safety measures, including complying with all boating safety laws, such as carrying emergency equipment and wearing life jackets.

Boaters are also reminded to share their destination and their return time with others, and to follow all warning signs and stay away from BC Hydro dams and structures.