Site C employment declines in month hydroelectric dam goes fully operational

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — BC Hydro has reported another slight decline in employment at Site C during the month that saw the hydroelectric dam become fully operational.

The utility has published the August 2025 employment statistics at the facility on the Peace River, showing a total workforce of 1,251 people, down slightly from the 1,266 workers employed the month prior.

Of those workers, 1,073 — roughly 83 per cent — were primary B.C. residents, roughly the same proportion as in July. 

However, 273 employees — about 22 per cent — were primary Peace region residents, a proportional increase from the roughly 20 per cent reported the month prior.

The number of Indigenous workers and women employed at Site C rose in August, to 50 (about four per cent) and 167 (roughly 13 per cent) respectively, compared to 39 (three per cent) and 156 (12 per cent) in June.

However, the number of apprentices employed at the facility dropped sharply, from 34 (2.6 per cent) in July to 14 (1.1 per cent) in August.

On August 9th, BC Hydro announced the Site C dam was fully operational, with all six generating units turned on.

Remaining construction work at the facility will be focused on completing its powerhouse and generating station, paving access roads, commissioning any final equipment still needed and addressing any deficiencies that crop up.

In the weeks since, various organizations have also expressed interest in acquiring a camp for Site C workers located near Fort St. John.