Clean-energy industry underlines BC role

Now that the BC government has approved BC Hydro’s Site C hydro-electric dam, BC’s clean-energy industry asks what role it can play in continuing to be a generator of cost-effective power and jobs for BC, especially working with First Nations.

Paul Kariya, executive director of Clean Energy BC, said: “Site C was a very difficult decision for the provincial cabinet and one that took courage to reach.
“We’re disappointed, of course, that our industry was not chosen as an alternative to Site C—we have shown that we are a valid and cost-effective alternative, and a big creator of jobs for British Columbians.

“But Energy Minister Bill Bennett has spoken favourably of a continuing role for private-sector clean-energy providers. In fact, he indicated that after Site C, future power procurement will be from the clean-energy sector. We welcome this opportunity to provide BC with more clean power, especially with First Nations involvement.”

Kariya said it’s not yet clear what the future demand for electricity in BC looks like, or where it will come from but the clean-energy sector will work with all parties to help develop the necessary plans.
“We hope to sit down with the minister soon to clarify our role. We provide 20% of BC’s power now, and hope to increase that. We will continue working with the ministry, BC Hydro, First Nations, and the LNG, mining and oil-and-gas industries.

VANCOUVER – The BC government’s just-announced decision to build the Site C dam on the Peace River near Fort Saint John will go down as the most expensive mistake in BC’s history, says the Wilderness Committee.

The Site C dam is strongly opposed by Peace Valley landowners and First Nations, as well as downstream First Nations in Alberta – all of whom have recently launched court challenges opposing the dam. Opposition to Site C is widespread, and encompasses both business and environmental concerns.

“The Site C dam project is so damaging to the environment and wasteful of taxpayers funds that it’s beyond me how any government could come out in favour of building it – but they have,” said Joe Foy, the Wilderness Committee’s National Campaign Director.

“The human rights impacts associated with the project – particularly to First Nations communities – are egregious and shameful,” Foy said.

The Site C dam would eliminate thousands of hectares of farmland and drown over 100 kilometres of critical valley-bottom wildlife habitat, as well as First Nations cultural sites.