Site C Campaign
In northeastern British Columbia, near the middle of the Y2Y region, the Peace River Break stands out as a critical connection zone. This is also one of the few east-west links in the region. These geographic attributes make the Peace River Break vital to Y2Y's Grizzly Bear Conservation Strategy. If the last remaining wildlife corridors are squeezed shut in this fast-growing area, southern grizzly bear populations could be permanently cut off from populations in the north.
- Peace River. Photo Credit: Larry Peterson
The Significance
BC Hydro has resurrected, and is pushing ahead with, controversial plans for a huge dam on the Peace River. First proposed in the 1970s, and strongly opposed by area residents and ranchers, the Site C Dam has been on-again, off-again, three different times. If built, the facility would be the third massive dam in a series along the river. Results would also include the potential degradation of water quality, the loss of farmland as well as significant habitat loss for moose, deer, bull trout, and other wildlife species, not to mention the loss of important First Nations treaty land.
Peace region wildlife populations already are unacceptably impacted due to human activity and development. The only appropriate response is to deny approval to the Site C dam and implement a management approach that will ensure the recovery of sensitive species like grizzly bears and caribou.
The project is currently being reviewed in a joint federal and provincial environmental assessment process, in which Y2Y and our partners are involved.
On January 28th, 2013 BC Hydro submitted its environmental impact statement to the federal and provincial review bodies as their part of the process. The public had an opportunity to provide their comments from February 3rd to April 4th, 2013.
Please read the comments Y2Y submitted as our part of the process.
Three Ways You Can Help
- Get involved in the campaign by contacting Y2Y's partners, the Peace Valley Environment Association, Treaty 8 Tribal Association, West Moberly First Nations, the Wilderness Committee, the David Suzuki Foundation, and the Pembina Institute.
- Email Renee Krysko at renee@y2y.net to get your Site C postcard and voice your opposition to the Site C Dam.
- Support Y2Y's efforts to prevent the Site C Dam from flooding one of the most beautiful river valleys in BC and the only remaining free-flowing portion of the Peace River in the province, by making a donation here.
Y2Y Action
Y2Y is collaborating with environmental non-governmental organizations, First Nations communities, outfitters, farmers, researchers, and other concerned individuals to challenge construction of the Site C Dam by addressing related environmental and social concerns. Efforts include:
- Working on a scientific assessment of the impacts of Site C on wildlife habitat and movement that will be part of the joint federal and provincial environmental review process.
- Financially supporting a documentary that highlights various elements of the issue by following Paddle for the Peace – an annual community event in which hundreds of people show their concern for the river;
- Successfully nominating the Peace River as one of British Columbia's most endangered rivers;
- Facilitating campaign strategy sessions;
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Providing financial support to the grassroots Peace Valley Environment Association;
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Launching a postcard campaign that allows citizens to voice their opposition to the Site C Dam to the BC government; and
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Commissioning a scientific assessment of the impacts of Site C on wildlife habitat and movement.
Learn More:
Putting the Questions to Clayton Apps - December 2012
Speak Now or Forever Lose Your 'Peace' - April 2012
The Next Generation - October 2011
Watch the video to learn more about the campaign against the Site C dam.
Hear what these Paddle for the Peace participants thought about this incredible region.
The Site C Dam - What You Should Know - Learn about the Site C Dam project proposed for the Peace River in northeastern B.C.
Recent News
April 23, 2013 - NDP urging caution on gas industry
Premier Christy Clark has been touting her support for the proposed Site C dam project in the northeast, saying energy from the project is needed to support the various liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects anticipated throughout the province. But her NDP opponents say by the time Site C is finished – if it’s approved – it will be too late for LNG. Read the Terrace Standard article here.
April 9, 2013 - In the danger zone
The Peace River is the most endangered river in B.C. and Site C’s potential approval in the next year or so is mainly to blame, according to the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C (ORC). Read more...
April 8, 2013 - Top story: Endangered Peace River
Curious to know more about the Site C dam and its potential impacts on the Peace River? Listen to the 15 minute news story by Global TV in B.C. that covers both sides of the debate.
April 8, 2013 - B.C. group fights for Peace, lower Fraser and Elk Rivers
Publication of the most recent list of the province’s most endangered rivers, to be released today, makes it clear that 21 years later, B.C. still has a lot to learn about managing its watersheds. Click here to read this Globe and Mail article.
March 27, 2013 - Pimm releases his 14 points on Site C
After writing down 14 points he wanted to work with BC Hydro on in relation to Site C back in March of 2010, Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm is releasing his points and the responses from BC Hydro. Learn more...
March 4, 2013 - Site C concerns for Chetwynd
The potential side-effects of proposed Site C dam have caused two groups to express concern about the project, both industrial and environmental. Read the full article here.
February 12, 2013 - Why the NDP can and should say no to Site C
On the heels of the release of new documents from BC Hydro in recent weeks, the Official Opposition is calling into question the crown corporation's proposed 1,100 Megawatt hydropower project. And so it should. Read more...
February 6, 2013 - NDP claims Site C not needed immediately
The B.C. New Democrats are claiming that B.C. residents could be facing sharply higher electric bills in the years to come thanks to mismanagement from the Liberal government. Click here to learn more.
January 30, 2013 - PRRD tackles Site C
Dealing with what could potentially be the biggest project to come to the region in decades, the proposed Site C dam will be the biggest priority for the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) in 2013, according to their Strategic Priorities Chart that was released on Jan. 24. Click here to read the article.
January 29, 2013 - Site C project will create instant lake, but threatens birds, bats and fish
Birds, bats, butterflies and fish are among the diverse range of wildlife species destined to suffer habitat destruction from BC Hydro’s proposed Site C hydroelectric project in northeastern British Columbia. Read the full article here.
January 28, 2013 - B.C. Hydro presses case for Site C dam megaproject
B.C. Hydro says its proposed $7.9-billion Site C hydroelectric dam in northeastern British Columbia will flood agricultural land and force some landowners off their property, but overall, the project should proceed because it's in the best interests of the province. Learn more.
January 19, 2013 - A river runs through it - a fight against a dam project
Since BC Hydro and the provincial government first pushed the Site C dam project in the 1970s, there have always been voices against the project in the Peace Valley, decrying the loss of prime agricultural land and wildlife habitat. Read this Globe and Mail article here.
December 12, 2012 - Coalition of environmentalists, farmers, First Nations say no to Site C dam
Groups argue Peace region has suffered from unrestrained resource development. Read the full Vancouver Sun article here.
October 12, 2012 - Eight reasons to stop the Peace River Dam
Over the last four decades, Site C, the giant hydroelectric dam that BC Hydro plans to build on the Peace River in northern BC, has been rejected by both the BC Utilities Commission and the BC government. More here.
September 8, 2012 - Final Site C Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines released
Following a series of open houses, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency has released its final Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines for the environmental assessment of the Site C Clean Energy Project. Learn more.
September 5, 2012 - Province-wide poll shows Site C unknown to many
An environmental group is hoping the province pays closer attention to BC Hydro’s proposed $8 billion hydroelectric project for northeast B.C. Click here to read the article.
May 9, 2012 - Wilderness Committee's Joe Foy wants Site C Dam meetings held B.C.-wide
The Wilderness Committee’s national campaign director says it’s “undemocratic and foolish” that B.C. Hydro isn’t holding public meetings provincewide on the Site C dam project. Read the full article here.
Arlene Boon, third generation Peace River Break land owner, knows all too well the importance of voicing your opinion when opposing a project like BC Hydro's Site C Dam. Discover her experience.
Anti-Site C protesters once again made their voices heard, as they gathered outside a B.C. Hydro public meeting recently. Learn more.
People within the Peace Region are being encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns regarding the Site C Clean Energy Project. Click here to read the article.
February 15, 2012 - CBC Northern BC covers the Site C issue
Listen to Andrea Morison of the Peace Valley Environment Association interviewed on CBC British Columbia about the proposed Site C dam and its impacts.
February 13, 2012 - Fed, Province announce joint environmental review for Site C
February 9, 2012 - Site C essential for LNG development: Clark
January 29, 2012 - Funded to oppose Site C
Local groups opposed to the Site C Dam will have some ammunition for their attack on the project in the form of funding from the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA). Read the full Dawson Creek Daily News article here.
January 24, 2012 - Y2Y awarded funding for participation in environmental assessment on Site C project
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (the Agency) has awarded a total of $141,615 to eight successful applicants to support their participation in the environmental review of the proposed Site C Clean Energy Project in British Columbia. Read more.
November 30, 2011 - Site C project significant for B.C.
November 30, 2011 - Site C procurement could begin in 2012
Procurement for the proposed Site C hydroelectric dam on the Peace River could begin as early as a year from now - over a year before federal and provincial regulators are expected to rule on the controversial project. Read the the full article.
November 26, 2011 - Site C info sessions hit the Peace
The B.C. Chamber of Commerce held info sessions throughout the Peace Region this past week to inform the business community of the project's current status. Over 115 curious Peace Region residents attended the session at the Fort St. John Quality Inn Northern Grand. Read the article here.
November 24, 2011 - Environmental groups slam funding cap for Site C dam assessment
November 21, 2011 - Concerns raised over Site C environmental assessment funding
Local residents and not-for-profit groups who have questions about the proposed Site C dam are disappointed in the low amount of funding available for public participation in the environmental assessment process that will take place over the next few years. Read the full Alaska Highway News article here.
November 16, 2011 - PVEA calls funding for Site C assessment "biased"
October 5, 2011 - Hydro to commence second round of Site C talks this fall
October 1, 2011 - Site C to undergo joint environmental assessment
Site C will now go through a harmonized environmental assessment, reviewed by a joint panel. Both federal Minister of the Environment Peter Kent and B.C. Minister of the Environment Terry Lake believe that by combining the provincial and federal environmental assessment, they will avoid unnecessary duplication and delays. Read more here.
September 28, 2011 - Peace Out documentary brings Site C dam debate to VIFF 2011
September 22, 2011 - Site C, yes or no? Gov't never directly asked locals
August 15, 2011 - Coleman says Site C will be going ahead
A review of BC Hydro by an expert panel review fell short of recommending the government shelve the controversial Site C project and NDP Energy Critic John Horgan states that “to have a minister of the Crown saying we're definitely going ahead in the midst of this process is wrong.” Read the full article here.
July 6, 2011 - The Peace River needs your help
BC Hydro is proposing to put a third dam on the Peace River, at a location known as “Site C”, which would have ramifications on the wildlife, fisheries and communities that depend on the river. Learn more about how you can help.
May 19, 2011 - $8B Site C dam goes to environmental review
Treaty 8 Tribal Association represents local First Nations whose communities and rights will be impacted by the dam. They have created a computer model of how the river will change if the new dam is constructed here:
Watch the video blog of the Wilderness Committee's Tria Donaldson, in which she talks about her recent visit to the Peace River Valley, participating in a paddle trip down the river, and learning why the Site C project should not go ahead.
