HUDSON'S HOPE -- During an open house last week, many Hudson’s Hope residents voiced their belief that BC Hydro has a ‘moral obligation’ to fund the provision of clean drinking water amid ongoing challenges with the town’s water treatment system.
In response, BC Hydro says they’ve done just that, announcing an additional undisclosed offer on top of the five million dollars already contributed towards a new water treatment plant.
“We feel we've met our financial obligations under our agreement, and we have made a significant offer of additional support towards the permanent plant,” Greg Alexis, Manager of Public Affairs & Community Relations for Site C, told CJDC-TV.
In 2021, the District commissioned a move from surface water to well water. However, the new system did not perform as expected, leading to a year-long boil water notice issued by Northern Health.
BC Hydro adds an offer was also put forward to help provide clean drinking water when advisories were first issued.
“We committed to mitigating the effects of the project on Hudson's Hope, and specifically their water treatment system. The District chose to build a well system and we provided about five million dollars for that work,” said Alexis.
The Crown corporation added that conversations with the District are ongoing to resolve the financial burden of building the new system.
“It’s created challenges for the community,” acknowledged Alexis, “We're continuing to work collaboratively with them to resolve the issue-- we've had some back-and-forth conversation exchanges and we're going to continue to work to resolve it.”
BC Hydro says on top initial allotment, an additional one million was given for the costs associated with emergency response and work to restore the surface water system.
“They took on responsibility for that new treatment plant and our obligation was to fund the construction of that plant,” said Alexis.
A temporary plant currently in place, which purifies water from the Peace River, costs between $27,000 and $75,000 per month to rent and maintain.
During the open house held September 9, 2024, Mayor Travous Quibell emphasized that it would be more expensive to reject the vote than to agree to borrow the funds. An upcoming ascent vote will determine whether residents agree to move forward with borrowing just shy of five million to fund construction of a new plant is scheduled for October 5th.
The repayment of the loan would be come from property taxes. While tax rates would remain unchanged for the next five years, they would increase as Hudson’s Hope repays the loan over a 15-year period.
If the vote passes, another vote would be held through the Peace River Regional District (PRRD), which would assume responsibility should the loan go into default.
The vote will be crucial in determining the future of Hudson’s Hope’s water supply and financial planning.
