BC Hydro says two new public boat launches on the Nááchę Mege reservoir west of Fort St. John will open to the public this week, marking the first boating access to the reservoir since filling was completed in late 2024.
The new Lynx Creek and Halfway River boat launches, along with a floating dock at the D.A. Thomas Recreation Area in Hudson’s Hope, are scheduled to open June 26.
BC Hydro had previously asked the public to stay off the reservoir for about a year after filling the Site C reservoir.
During that period, engineers and geotechnical teams monitored slope stability, erosion and overall reservoir conditions.
“The safety of the public remains our top priority, and our engineering and geotechnical teams have been keeping a close eye on the reservoir and surrounding slopes,” said Bob Gammer, BC Hydro’s community relations manager for Northern B.C.
“Based on what we’re seeing, we’re ready to open these sites for safe public use.”
Reservoir filling began in August 2024 and was completed about 11 weeks later.
The original Halfway River boat launch was permanently closed in September 2023 as BC Hydro prepared to fill the reservoir.
The closure sparked frustration and debate online as public boating access between Fort St. John and Hudson’s Hope was restricted.
The new facilities are part of recreation infrastructure developed as part of the Site C project.
According to BC Hydro, monitoring conducted since the reservoir reached full pool shows nearby slopes and reservoir conditions are performing as expected.
The reservoir is officially named Nááchę Mege, a name recommended by Doig River First Nation and Blueberry River First Nations. The name translates to “Dreamer Lake” in English.
While the reservoir is opening to recreational boating, BC Hydro says conditions can change quickly and is reminding users to follow all boating safety regulations, wear life jackets, carry required emergency equipment and stay well away from dams and other hydroelectric infrastructure.
The opening also expands public access to the reservoir following the launch of the D.A. Thomas Recreation Area in Hudson’s Hope, which opened as part of BC Hydro’s Site C community investment program and includes picnic areas, walking trails and waterfront access.