FORT ST. JOHN - The B.C. government is laying out a long-term plan to dramatically expand electricity generation, including early exploration of two new hydro-electric dams, one of which could become a fourth dam on the Peace River.
Energy Minister Adrian Dix says the province is “seriously” re-examining the plan for what’s known as the Site E Dam at the confluence of the Peace and Alces rivers to meet the growing demand for electricity.
The plan, titled Powering Growth, Fueling Opportunity, anticipates electricity demand growing by 20 per cent by 2030 and roughly 50 per cent by 2050, with peak demand also expected to climb significantly.
As part of that planning, BC Hydro is in the early stages of studying new large hydroelectric projects, including a proposed Site E dam on the Peace River, which could generate up to 750 megawatts of power.
The Site E dam was originally proposed in 1958. If built, it would become the fourth dam on the river, following W.A.C. Bennett Dam, Peace Canyon Dam and the Site C project.
Dix said it is not clear yet how much a dam at Site E would cost, but suggested it would be significantly less than Ontario’s plan to upgrade and expand nuclear power in that province.
“So, large hydro … is competitive,” he said. “But what will it cost, and whether it’s worth it? That will come out of the extensive work that we are doing.”
Dix said the province will bring forward legislative changes to the Clean Energy Act in the fall to give government the legal permission to do the necessary technical review of the dams under consideration.
“So, we are not removing the prohibitions,” he said. “We are simply going to make changes to allow us to investigate these projects.”
That legislation specifically prohibits dams projects at Site E as well as the Homathko River, which feeds into Bute Inlet.
Dix said future consultation will be far-reaching, including First Nations.
He said the main proponent of the Bute Inlet project is the Homalco First Nation. “So, in that case, the consultation has been a bit the other way up to now.”
He added other First Nations in northern B.C. have also shown interest.
“They have been fully engaged in the process so far, but we are not at this stage yet,” he said.
Right now, he said, government wants everybody to know that it is doing the necessary technical work.
Regional impact in the Peace Region
For communities in Northeast B.C., the possibility of another dam carries significant economic implications.
Fort St. John, which has been a hub for hydroelectric construction through the Site C project, could see continued demand for skilled labour, contractors and support services if another project moves forward.
Past large-scale hydro developments have brought thousands of workers into the region, along with increased spending on housing, food services and local businesses.
Dawson Creek, while outside the immediate construction zone, has also historically benefited from spillover economic activity, including supply chain contracts, transportation demand and workforce accommodation.
The province’s broader plan highlights job creation and economic growth tied to new energy infrastructure, including major transmission projects and construction activity across northern B.C.
Balancing growth and uncertainty
At this stage, the proposed Site E project remains in its earliest phases, with no final decisions made.
The government says exploring new hydro sites now is aimed at ensuring the province is prepared to meet future demand for clean electricity, particularly as population growth and industrial development accelerate.
Still, for residents and local leaders in the Peace Region, the prospect of a fourth dam raises familiar questions, from long-term economic stability to land use, environmental impact and the cumulative effects of development along the Peace River.
For now, the plan signals that Northeast B.C. will remain central to the province’s energy future and potentially its next major hydroelectric build.
With files from The Canadian Press