By Canadian Press

BC Hydro says pandemic hits Site C project, expect delays, cost increases

Jul 31, 2020 | 10:14 AM

VICTORIA — British Columbia’s massive Site C hydroelectric dam project has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and now faces construction delays and rising costs.

BC Hydro president Chris O’Riley says in a quarterly update submitted to the B.C. Utilities Commission that the pandemic has had a material impact on safety, cost and schedule for the project in northeast B.C.

Site C’s budget in April 2018 was estimated at $10.7 billion, including reserve and contingency funds amounting to about $1.5 billion for unexpected costs.

O’Riley’s update to the utilities commission does not estimate the extent of increased costs but says reserve funds are being accessed.

Energy Minister Bruce Ralston says in a statement that he’s concerned about the news and has  appointed former deputy finance minister Peter Milburn as a special advisor to the project.

final flight

Massive Philippine Mars waterbomber preparing for final Island departure

2h ago

Skatepark refresh

Town of Ladysmith seeks public insight in reforming skateboard park

17h ago

stabbing

UPDATE: Two people stab City of Nanaimo employee with needles at Maffeo Sutton Park

19h ago

Site C will be the third dam and hydroelectric generating station on the Peace River and will provide enough energy to power the equivalent of about 450,000 homes per year in B.C.  

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 31, 2020.

The Canadian Press