A decision by BC’s NDP government to proceed with the controversial Site C hydroelectric dam mega-project has left the party and its caucus divided and was met with disappointment by Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons.
On December 11, premier John Horgan made the announcement that construction at the Peace River Valley site will continue.
“The premier was given two bad options and we chose the one that I wanted less for so many reasons,” said Simons. “I've been up to the Peace River Valley, I've spoken against this dam and my opinion hasn't changed. I'm heartbroken about it.”
The government debated continuing or halting the project midway through construction.
The decision to restart Site C after $2 billion had already been spent weighed heavily on the decision, according to the government announcement. Cancelling would have increased hydro rates and limited spending on other capital works.
“The premier obviously believes this is better than the option of cancelling it and it's okay to have differences of opinion,” said Simons.
Originally budgeted by the previous Liberal government at $8.9 billion, estimated cost of completion is now $10.7 billion. Site C is the most expensive public works project in provincial history and several contracts for its construction are over budget.
Environmentalists and some first nations in the Peace River Valley are opposed to the decision, with labour unions and the construction industry strongly in favour.
Two indigenous communities will be taking legal action to stop construction that will flood 5,500 hectares of land, displace farmers, affect indigenous communities and destroy wildlife habitat.
In the interest of the public, the government had no choice but to go ahead, according to Simons.
“The previous government made every effort to get this project beyond the point of no return,” said Simons. “It was explicitly stated that was the goal.”
