Letter from BC Hydro: views on protests
Re: B.C. Hydro should drop SLAPP suits against protesters, May 25, 2016
A recent column by Sarah Cox misrepresents BC Hydro's views on protests.
BC Hydro has consistently supported the rights of people to express their opposition to Site C when it is done in a safe and lawful manner. That's why we created a safe protest zone near the entrance to the Site C dam site.
Ms. Cox confuses lawful and peaceful protest with the physical blockade of construction work. In January, a small group of protesters set up a camp and physically prevented construction work from safely taking place in the area known as Rocky Mountain Fort. This created a risk to project schedule and costs. BC Hydro repeatedly asked the protesters to allow the construction work to continue, but they refused. We were left with no choice but to commence a civil claim and apply to the court for an injunction.
BC Hydro understands that some individuals have strong opinions on Site C and we fully respect the rights of those individuals to express their views. While we would prefer not to go to court, we also have an obligation to our customers to deliver this important public project on time and on budget.
– Dave Conway, Community Relations Manager, Site C, BC Hydro