HUDSON'S HOPE -- A group of over 20 residents gathered in Hudson’s Hope today, holding signs and demanding action from BC Hydro to fund a new potable water treatment plant.
The protest coincided with the arrival of BC Hydro representatives, who were in town to discuss dam operations with local workers.
“The intention is to gather to support our workers and to show BC Hydro how important it is for our community to have clean drinking water,” said Hayden Huxley, a resident of Hudson’s Hope.
Since July 2023, the District has been relying on a temporary water treatment plant after a change in the water source during the construction of Site C. The temporary solution has been in place at a monthly cost ranging from $27,000 and $75,000 per month for rent and maintenance, but residents are now pushing for a permanent fix.
The protest fell on the day advanced assent voting opened, where residents will decide whether to support borrowing nearly $5 million to fund a new water treatment plant. The District released a bulletin warning that a ‘no’ vote would lead to a boil water notice once the rented water clarifier is returned.
They also cautioned that fines under the Provincial Drinking Water Protection Act could further strain finances.
Earlier this month, BC Hydro told CJDC-TV that they believe they have “met their financial obligations.”
Leaked documents revealed that BC Hydro offered just over $2 million and ownership of a raw water intake, in addition to the $5 million already contributed to a new plant.
In 2021, the District commissioned a move from surface water to well water, but that system failed, resulting in a year-long boil water advisory.
Now, council is asking for an additional $8 million to reverse course and build a new water treatment system. BC Hydro stated that conversations are ongoing to resolve the financial burden of building the new system.
MLA Dan Davies emphasized that BC Hydro has a moral obligation to provide clean water and has been advocating for their responsibility in this matter.
CJDC-TV has also obtained letters written by residents that will be passed on to the Crown Corporation demanding they fulfill an obligation to provide clean drinking water.
“BC Hydro, with its substantial revenues of 8 Billion dollars in 2023-- should assume full financial responsibility for installing a reliable permanent water treatment plant in Hudson's Hope, ensuring the community has access to clean and safe water as it had previously, “ reads a portion of one of the six letters received.
