Close X
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
ADVT 
National

B.C. Government Approves Construction Projects For $9-Billion Site C Hydro Dam

The Canadian Press, 08 Jul, 2015 10:54 AM
    FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The British Columbia government has granted approval for the first phase of construction to start on the massive Site C hydroelectric dam project on the Peace River.
     
    Two dozen authorizations include conditions under the land, water, forest and wildlife acts and provide permits for timber removal, road building and site preparation.
     
    Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Steve Thomson said there were initially 45 permit applications submitted, but several of them were deferred to allow more time for consultations with First Nations.
     
    Thomson said each application for the construction phase was reviewed for its potential impact on the environment and on aboriginal treaty rights.
     
    All the decisions makers are satisfied that the consultation process was adequate and upholds the duty to consult local First Nations, Thomson said Tuesday.
     
    "A number of the permits have conditions attached to them that were concerns raised during that process," he said in a interview.
     
    Concerns include seasonal timing restrictions, conditions for wildlife, and the sharing of plans with First Nations, Thomson said.
     
    Consultations with the local Treaty 8 First Nation began in August 2014 and concluded last month, but Thomson wouldn't say if the two sides had reached a resolution.
     
    "We have been through the appropriate consultation process. As you know, concerns have been expressed by First Nations. We will see what the response to the decision is," he said.
     
    Several lawsuits by environmental groups, citizens and First Nations have been launched to try to stop construction of the dam and are proceeding through the courts.
     
    But Thomson said the legal action won't stop the building process.
     
    "This is a very, very important project for British Columbia. It has been through an environmental assessment process with conditions. The permits that are needed to get the initial process started have been through an extensive process."
     
    No one from the Treaty 8 First Nation was available for an interview.
     
    Construction of the almost $9-billion project is touted to generate about 10,000 jobs while it floods 55 square kilometres of river valley.  
     
    Site C represents an eight per cent increase to Hydro's energy supply and is expected to generate enough electricity to power about 450,000 homes per year.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Indian Man, 62, Leaps In Front Of Train To Save Granddaughter At Australian Railway Station

    Indian Man, 62, Leaps In Front Of Train To Save Granddaughter At Australian Railway Station
    The grandfather, who had arrived in Australia only a few days ago, launched himself into the path of the train at Sydney's Wentworthville station on Sunday after the pram holding the toddler rolled onto the tracks

    Indian Man, 62, Leaps In Front Of Train To Save Granddaughter At Australian Railway Station

    Finance Minister Joe Oliver Says Too Early To Say Whether We're In Recession

    Oliver says the country is well positioned to weather an economic battering but it is in a fragile environment with external factors like the price of oil and economic troubles in Europe.

    Finance Minister Joe Oliver Says Too Early To Say Whether We're In Recession

    B.C. Moves To Protect At-Risk Young Males With Free HPV Vaccine

    B.C. Moves To Protect At-Risk Young Males With Free HPV Vaccine
    Beginning in September, boys and men up to age 26 will be eligible for publicly funded HPV vaccine that offers broad protection from the most common sexually-transmitted infection.

    B.C. Moves To Protect At-Risk Young Males With Free HPV Vaccine

    Ontario Couple Rescued In B.C. Wilderness Wish They Could Hug Searchers

    Ontario Couple Rescued In B.C. Wilderness Wish They Could Hug Searchers
    PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — An Ontario couple rescued after spending six days lost in the British Columbia wilderness say they've been through a humbling experience and want to thank the searchers who looked for them.

    Ontario Couple Rescued In B.C. Wilderness Wish They Could Hug Searchers

    Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson Sole Canadian In Municipal Climate-Change Group Meeting Pope

    Gregor Robertson will join about 30 other representatives of big cities from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas for a two-day visit with Pope Francis in Vatican City on July 21.

    Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson Sole Canadian In Municipal Climate-Change Group Meeting Pope

    Alberta Man, 27, Arrested Following Backhoe Pursuit On New Brunswick Highway

    Alberta Man, 27, Arrested Following Backhoe Pursuit On New Brunswick Highway
    A 27-year-old Alberta man is in custody following an early morning low-speed pursuit on the Trans-Canada Highway in New Brunswick involving a backhoe.

    Alberta Man, 27, Arrested Following Backhoe Pursuit On New Brunswick Highway