Federal approval for Site C sparks outrage from First Nations, advocacy groups
VANCOUVER — First Nations, landowners and environmental groups are accusing Justin Trudeau of reneging on promises made during last year’s election campaign as the federal government quietly authorizes construction to ramp up for a controversial hydroelectric dam proposed for northeastern British Columbia.
In a permitting document issued without fanfare late Friday before the August long weekend, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Transport Canada authorized B.C.’s power utility to move ahead with Site C.
This includes building the actual kilometre-long earthfill dam, along with the spillways, drainage tunnels and generating stations and, ultimately, permission to divert the Peace River and flood what will become an 83-kilometre reservoir.
Site C is a $9-billion megaproject that BC Hydro says will provide British Columbia with clean, renewable electricity for more than a century starting in 2020, though the proposal faces steadfast opposition from various groups over its environmental impact and a lack of consultation.