Stage 2: Project Definition & Consultation

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Stage by stage evaluation and consultation process

The BC Energy Plan called for BC Hydro and the provincial government to "enter into initial discussions with First Nations, the Province of Alberta and communities to discuss Site C to ensure that communications regarding the potential project and the processes being followed are well known."

No decision has been made to build Site C. However, large projects like Site C have a long lead time, and require early evaluation and study. To preserve Site C as an option for the future, significant work needs to take place now to understand the project's impacts and benefits from a technical, financial and environmental perspective. For that reason, there are a number of studies and comprehensive consultation planned today to update the project.

BC Hydro is taking a stage-by-stage approach to the evaluation of Site C as a potential resource option for meeting B.C.'s future electricity needs. At the end of each stage of review, BC Hydro will make a recommendation to government for a decision on whether to proceed to the next stage of project planning and development. BC Hydro is currently in Stage 2, Project Definition and Consultation.

Two rounds of public consultation on the potential project took place in Stage 2, in addition to Pre-Consultation, which concluded in February 2008. Project Definition Consultation, Round 1 was conducted from May 1 to June 30, 2008 and consulted local, regional and provincial stakeholders on key impacts, benefits and features of the potential Site C Project. The consultation sought feedback on Site C as an energy option, community and provincial benefits, project design elements, recreation, infrastructure, environment and land uses.

Project Definition Consultation, Round 2 took place from October 1 to December 3, 2008 and built on stakeholder input from Project Definition Consultation, Round 1 and Pre-Consultation. Round 2 Consultation sought feedback on Site C as an energy option, the potential powerhouse access bridge and associated access roads, provincial and community benefits – other potential infrastructure improvements, reservoir preparation considerations, sourcing dam construction materials, and relocation and reclamation of excavated soil and rock, and environment.

In addition, Stage 2 involves extensive environmental, engineering and technical work to further define the project, to update decades-old studies, and to conduct new studies and technical work.

As part of Stage 2, BC Hydro is reviewing and considering input from environmental, engineering, financial and technical studies, as well as public and stakeholder consultations. In the fall of 2009, BC Hydro will produce a report on Stage 2 activities. BC Hydro will also be making a recommendation to the provincial government on whether to proceed to the next stage of project planning and development. A decision on whether to proceed to Stage 3 will be made by the provincial government.