The clock is ticking on Site C
The results of the BC election are finally in, and the message is clear: Almost sixty per cent of voters called for a review or cancellation of the Site C dam. Their concerns must be honoured by the incumbent government.
There is no political mandate to push the dam further. There is no economic case to push it further.
The project can still be stopped, and this reality is closer than ever. We have a government-in-waiting that has said it will review the dam.
Territory of Treaty 8 First Nations on the Peace River. Photo by Louis Bockner.
The current government has no social license to authorize BC Hydro to award new contracts. But Christy Clark may still try to push the project forward in whatever way she can.
The Boons and Meeks, farm families in the Peace, have had their evictions postponed till the end of June. But if road realignment work continues, they remain in danger of losing their homes. This work would also cause devastating and irreversible harms to First Nations’ grave sites and cultural heritage. Given the current uncertainty over Site C’s fate, BC Hydro must put a pause on these evictions and destructive activities.
In just a few short weeks, a $2 billion construction contract could be also be signed by BC Hydro, locking Hydro customers into even higher Hydro bills, even if Site C is shelved. This major contract for a generating station, powerhouse and spillways could be announced as early as July 2017, but has not yet been signed with any of the four shortlisted proponents. There have been many on-site problems and non-compliance issues. In February, a huge tension crack suddenly appeared in the slide-prone banks of the Peace River.
Yvonne Tupper of the Salteau First Nation. Photo by Louis Bockner.
Christy Clark must not allow BC Hydro to award any new dam contracts before the BC Utilities Commission concludes its review of the Site C dam.
The incoming government has committed to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the calls-to-action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Tsilhqot’in Supreme Court decision. In light of these commitments, destructive activities that harm First Nations’ heritage should be stopped immediately.
Christy Clark has lost her mandate on Site C. She needs to hear loud and clear that you’re watching and you expect her to respect the wishes of the majority of BC voters.
Sierra Club BC is working quickly with our partners to ensure that Site C remains in the spotlight and goes for a full and rigorous review of the project and alternatives. Help us keep the pressure on – donate today.
