Leaders in the northeastern part of British Columbia are advocating for the establishment of a new fund to provide compensation to local communities if the province proceeds with the proposed construction of a fourth hydroelectric dam on the Peace River. During a public briefing held by B.C. Hydro on Thursday, the Peace River Regional District received information about Site E, which is situated near the Alberta border north of Dawson Creek.
If the dam project gets the green light, board chair Brad Sperling emphasized that it would have significant implications for the river system in the region. This includes the inundation of more residential areas, farmland, public parks, bridges, and disruption to local water sources. Sperling remarked, “There is no longer a Peace River. It’s going to be reservoirs from here to Finlay Bay.”
B.C. Hydro has stated that there is a pressing need for additional sources of reliable power to meet an anticipated 50% surge in electricity demand by 2050, mainly driven by industrial expansion. However, Sperling highlighted the long-term impacts of previous energy developments in the area, including the existing dams on the Peace River and the ongoing construction of large-scale wind farms.
He called for a compensation mechanism similar to the Columbia Basin Trust, which was established in 1995 to assist communities affected by dams on the Columbia River. Presently, the trust holds assets exceeding $1.2 billion. Sperling emphasized, “This is being done at the expense of the northeast. It’s high time we receive fair economic benefits from the energy generated in this area.”
Legally, Site E is currently prohibited under the Clean Energy Act, alongside another hydro project on the Homathko River. However, B.C. Hydro representatives anticipate legislative changes to allow for geotechnical and environmental studies at both sites. To facilitate further progress, the provincial government may have to reconsider legislation to advance the projects.
Julia Balabanowicz, the government relations director at B.C. Hydro, mentioned that aside from the hydro projects, various options are being explored to meet future energy requirements, including utility-scale battery initiatives. B.C. Hydro plans to allocate up to $12 million for preliminary studies on the two proposals.
Local officials echoed the demand for sustained compensation. Pouce Coupe Mayor Danielle Veach raised concerns over the strain on agriculture due to the influx of new energy projects, exacerbating the region’s infrastructure challenges. Dawson Creek Mayor Darcy Dober expressed reservations about the financial feasibility of securing a new water supply from the section of the Peace River slated for flooding.
Suggestions were put forth for the province to explore alternative energy sources like nuclear and natural gas to meet energy demands. Hudson’s Hope Mayor Travous Quibell proposed reassessing B.C.’s ban on nuclear power in light of developments in other provinces.