Site C employment continues gradual decline in November

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Employment on the Site C dam project continued to trend downward in November.

According to BC Hydro’s latest workforce report, 958 people were employed on the hydroelectric dam on the Peace River in November 2025, a notable drop from the 1,127 workers reported in October.

Of the total workforce, 790 workers, about 82 per cent, were B.C. residents. 

Employment from within the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) dropped from the previous month. 

BC Hydro reported 185 PRRD residents were working on Site C in November, representing 39 per cent of the construction and non-construction contractor workforce, down from 281 workers (42 per cent) in October.

Among the workforce, Indigenous participation decreased numerically but jumped by percentage. 

There were 29 Indigenous workers (about 6.1 per cent) employed on the project in November, compared to 37 (roughly 5.5 per cent) reported the previous month.

BC Hydro noted Indigenous workforce numbers are based on voluntary self-identification reported by contractors.

The number of women working for Site C construction and non-construction contractors fell to 82 (roughly 17.2 per cent) in November, down from 122 (about 18.2 per cent) in October.

Apprentice participation dipped slightly as well, decreasing from three apprentices in October to two in November.

BC Hydro says apprentice numbers fluctuate depending on the type and stage of work being performed, adding that “as construction progresses, there will be additional opportunities for apprentices on the project.”

No workers were employed through the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program in November. 

However, seven management and professional positions were filled through the International Mobility Program, an increase from five roles reported in October.

As remaining project milestones are completed, BC Hydro says employment will continue to decline through 2026, when the dam’s final components are scheduled to be finished.

Site C became fully operational in August 2025, with all six generating units now in service. 

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

The full report from BC Hydro can be viewed below.