Premier David Eby got a first-hand look at one of B.C.’s largest infrastructure projects as he toured the newly named John Horgan Dam and Generating Station during his visit to northern B.C.
Standing above the massive concrete channels of the Site C project, Eby said the scale of the facility felt like something out of “Star Wars”.
“It looks like a futuristic kind of rendering,” Eby said.
“The amount of concrete and steel that goes into just one of those channels where the water flows in is absolutely massive… it feels incredibly futuristic, and yet a very old and reliable technology.”
The 1,100-megawatt hydroelectric facility is now entering operation and is expected to play a key role in meeting B.C.’s growing demand for electricity.
Eby said the project also represents the dedication of the thousands of workers who helped build it over the past decade.
“It’s an incredible facility,” Eby said.
“I met people who have been working here for 10 years, and to see them in final operations here as it enters operation is pretty great. You can see the pride on the face of every single person that works here.”
The project has faced years of political debate, including criticism from the B.C. NDP while the party was in opposition. Eby said former premier John Horgan’s views on Site C evolved as he weighed the benefits and challenges of the project.
“Premier Horgan famously said there are many positions on Site C, and he said ‘I know, because I’ve held all of them,'” Eby said.
Looking ahead, Eby said having more reliable electricity gives B.C. an advantage as demand grows from industry and electrification.
“The reality around the modern economy that we’re seeing is that the more electricity that we have in British Columbia, the greater our economic advantage,” Eby said.
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