BC Hydro said it sent home 700 workers from the Site C project as part of efforts to scale down construction during the pandemic. The continued search for and lack of solutions is highly alarming and confirms what First Nations have been saying all along: the integrity and validity of the Site C Dam is elusive and fundamentally imperiled. There's a turbine runner on the move that's heading towards BC Hydro's Site C Clean Energy Project and it's big. BC Hydro has reported 40 cases of COVID-19 related to Site C since March 1, 2020, including one new cases Jan. 20. BC Hydro also warned of the “likely” risk of additional engineering costs. After months of calls to shut down industrial work sites in northern B.C. Unsafe in Every Sense: Site C Dam Construction Must Be Immediately Halted. “In my lifetime, there has never been a more important time for Canada to demonstrate support for institutions of democracy,” wrote Govender in a statement. Photo By BC Hydro The West Moberly First Nation is warning the John Horgan government that it will seek another injunction against the Site C dam if the government doesn’t halt work pending a cabinet decision on whether it's safe to proceed. BC Hydro says it has committed to not move any Site C worker in self-isolation at camp into the city. Several leaders are calling for the shutdown of construction work camps associated with the Site C hydroelectric dam on the Peace River in northeastern British Columbia while the province deals with the COVID-19 pandemic. Hydro's Site C dam project on the Peace River near Fort St. John in August. (BC Hydro/Contributed) But construction workers continue to work at residential and industrial projects. UBCIC, Fort St. John city councillors call for shutdown of Site C project during COVID-19. NDP Leader John Horgan open to shutting down Site C dam. this week. If Trudeau were to indeed try to shut down the dam's construction, he would create a constitutional firestorm that would mortify all provincial governments. has been flat since 2005 and recent mill closures have reduced provincial energy consumption.. LNG Canada, a consortium of some of the world’s most profitable oil and gas corporations, cut its workforce in half in response to the … For years, the project has faced vocal opposition and controversy. ... “The province has all the reasons it could possibly need to shut down this boondoggle,” stated Grand Chief Stewart, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC). He needs a legal decision to decide weather he could shut down non essential inter provincial travel during the Covid crisis between Alta and BC when he can use emergency power. Under a provincial state of emergency declaration, restaurants, bars, hair salons and tattoo parlours have been ordered shut down. The NDP government designated the Site C dam — slated to be completed in 2024 — an essential service even though energy demand in B.C. The utilities company says it has also implemented several safety measures at the site including scaling back on construction, restricting non-essential travel for employees and consultants and postponing non-essential site tours. If you have a COVID-19-related story we should pursue that affects British Columbians, please email us at impact@cbc.ca. Site C Dam construction must be immediately halted: Union of BC Indian... Air Canada to resume Boeing 737 MAX commercial operations on February 1, Conservative Leader O’Toole initiates process to kick out Derek Sloan from caucus, Vancouver Police officer suffers broken leg in mask dispute, Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau wishes a very happy Republic Day to all Indians, Terence Corcoran: A global mad green news roundup - Daily Post USA, 22 FIRs filed in Delhi tractor rally violence; 86 cops injured. An excavator dredges out a channel at the entrance to one of the river diversion tunnels on B.C. A pathetic weak Premier. Additionally, we support the  widespread calls to suspend construction during the COVID-19 pandemic out of fear that an outbreak at the work camp could overwhelm local communities, including highly vulnerable First Nations. due to concerns they’re COVID-19 “incubators,” and 250 cases at … Add some “good” to your morning and evening. And the dam will flood the Peace River Valley, forcing people from their homes and violating Indiginous Treaty Rights, destroying rich farmland, and submerging the habitat of 100 endangered species. There is only one turbine runner being transported to the site at a time and the . A massive piece of dam equipment that's heavier than a space shuttle is being transported from Brazil through northern B.C., bound for the controversial Site C dam mega-project near Fort St. John. The province continues to bleed cash for an unstable project that continues to endanger the Title and Rights of First Nations and the health and safety of many communities. It is a structure that is being built," said Stewart. In 2017 and 2019, the CERD called for an immediate halt to construction of Site C. In a November 2020 letter to Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, made public this month, the committee once again flagged its ongoing concern over the project and expressed “regret” over Canada’s misinterpretation of its human rights obligations. "They have put in place protocols for social distancing and personal hygiene throughout the camp.". A pathetic weak Premier. "[If] there was an outbreak at Site C, our hospital would be inundated with patients that we could not handle, that our health system couldn't handle, with the seven ventilators that we have in the community," said Coun. . News Release January 18, 2021. Leaders debate 2020: Is the Site C Dam project the NDP’s dumpster fire? The lawsuit seeks compensation or an order to shut it down and return the river valley to its natural state. Its market is also in deep trouble. It is not a front-line service. As of July this year, more than 4,600 workers were employed on the Site C hydroelectric dam project, according to BC Hydro, about 3,400 of whom were British Columbians. The camp, which has 864 people, currently has 12 workers at the site who are self-isolating as of March 26, according to BC Hydro. It is a priority for CBC to create a website that is accessible to all Canadians including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. Voice newspaper is your news, top stories, crime stories, entertainment, sports, events, auto and health website. Local states of emergency were suspended by the province Thursday so it can implement a more systemic and uniform response to the pandemic across B.C. Meanwhile, the United Nations’ top anti-racism body has once again reiterated concerns that construction of the Site C dam violates Canada’s international human rights obligations. . Shut down construction sites until COVID-19 threat has passed, says wife of worried worker, $40B LNG project cuts hundreds of workers to prevent COVID-19 spread in B.C. A legal challenge by West Moberly, scheduled to be heard in court before the dam is completed, alleges that flooding the Peace River Valley is an unjustifiable violation of these constitutionally protected rights and therefore must be stopped. Under a provincial state of emergency declaration, restaurants, bars, hair salons and tattoo parlours have been ordered shut down. https://biv.com/article/2020/09/halt-site-c-dam-construction-green-leader ], […] suffers from financial and technical problems. It is inconceivable that BC Hydro is reportedly spending $100 million every month to continue construction, despite the countless critical concerns and the irrefutable fact that the dam may never be completed. It is evident the financial interests of British Columbia must be aligned with First Nation Title and Rights – aligned with the preservation and conservation of our environment and the continued stewardship of our lands and waters for generations to come. The independent experts clearly weren’t fooled. work camps, CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. BC Hydro ‘scaling down’ work on Site C Dam amid coronavirus pandemic Published March 18, 2020 3:59 pm. Byron Stewart argued for a shutdown as well. John Horgan missed his first opportunity to shut Site C down shortly after his election. It’s time for Premier Horgan to do the right thing and shut this boondoggle down before any more harm is done.”, [EDITOR’S NOTE: The original statement sent by Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) stated an expenditure of “$100 billion” every month to continue the construction of the Site C dam. “The province has all the reasons it could possibly need to shut down this boondoggle,” said  Grand Chief Stewart, UBCIC President. A variety of newsletters you'll love, delivered straight to you. A massive turbine part for the Site C dam, shown here at highway weigh scales near Vanderhoof, is being transported 1,000 kilometres across northern B.C. Here is the latest publicly reported data: Number of people in camp - 950 Number of people in self-isolation at camp - 7 There … Indian Chiefs also asked for a shutdown, citing the risk of spread and the lack of adequate medical services in northeastern B.C. The NDP government designated the Site C dam — slated to be completed in 2024 — an essential service even though energy demand in B.C. Construction at the Site C dam, where there have been 17 COVID-19 cases to date. Supreme Court ruled Monday that it would be "contrary to the public interest" to allow demonstrators to continue trying to shut down work on the Site C dam. As of July this year, more than 4,600 workers were employed on the Site C hydroelectric dam project, according to BC Hydro, about 3,400 of whom were British Columbians. Several leaders are calling for the shutdown of construction work camps associated with the Site C dam on the Peace River in northeastern British Columbia while the province deals with the COVID-19 pandemic. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. That correction was not sent to The VOICE. THE Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) said on Monday that a new report by Premier John Horgan’s special advisor on Site C provides yet another reason why this massively destructive and massively over-budget project must be stopped. It is inconceivable that BC Hydro is reportedly spending $100 million every month to continue construction, despite the countless critical concerns and the irrefutable fact that the dam may never be completed. You have entered an incorrect email address! (Andrew Kurjata/CBC) The West Moberly First Nations have treaty-protected rights to hunt, fish, trap and practice their traditional way of life in the Peace River Valley. But construction workers continue to work at residential and industrial projects. "[And] we have put in fairly strict requirements for things like [Site C].". "In all honesty, Site C ... is not a vital thing to our society. “After five months of study, it has been confirmed that the report of special advisor Peter Milburn, which still awaits cabinet and public scrutiny, could not identify any safe way to complete Site C. Furthermore, Premier Horgan has revealed that the province has hired two international experts to conduct additional reviews in light of Milburn’s lack of capacity to address safety challenges related to geotechnical issues. This highly discriminatory and dishonest conduct of Canada may be a preview of what will happen if the province continues to fight for Site C in court. One of the more intriguing demands by those opposing the Site C dam is that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau step in and block its construction, using the argument that the dam infringes First Nations' rights and poses environmental risk. "I personally would like the province to come in, shut it down and send everybody home.". West Moberly First Nation Chief Roland Willson says the NDP government should immediately suspend the Site C dam construction work. An aerial view of the Site C powerhouse, penstocks and intakes, October 2020. Leaders debate 2020: Is the Site C Dam project the NDP’s dumpster fire? We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos as they occur. However, after a reader challenged that figure and The VOICE checked the UBCIC website, we found that figure was “$100 million”. Coun. Hydro's Site C dam project on the Peace River near Fort St. John in August. BC Hydro has already confirmed 35 separate cases of COVID-19 at the work site.”, Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer, said: “Site C isn’t a dam, it’s a money pit. As of July this year, more than 4,600 workers were employed on the Site C hydroelectric dam project, according to BC Hydro, about 3,400 of whom were British Columbians. B.C. He needs a legal decision to decide weather he could shut down non essential inter provincial travel during the Covid crisis between Alta and BC when he can use emergency power. Our top priority is the health and safety of our employees, contractors and members of the public. He has a perfect opportunity now to pull the plug before further billions are invested in a dam which may be unbuildable, or if built, so expensive we will be up to our necks in debt. "What I have been told, and I have not been down there, is the camp has shrunk significantly," Ackerman said. Latest updates. B.C.’s first Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender tweeted that Canada should ignore its own laws and obey a United Nations directive to end three resource development projects including the Trans Mountain pipeline. Site C is primarily in service of LNG. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer, concluded, “Site C isn’t a dam, it’s a money pit. Trevor Bolin, who advocated the site be temporarily shut down. It is inconceivable that BC Hydro is reportedly spending $100 million every month to continue construction, despite the countless critical concerns and the irrefutable fact that the dam may never be completed. THE Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) said on Monday that a new report by Premier John Horgan’s special advisor on Site C provides yet another reason why this massively destructive and massively over-budget project must be stopped. Photo: Jayce Hawkins / The Narwhal The revelations come as calls grow for B.C. LNG Canada winds down, Site C work presses on amid coronavirus pandemic. We have been monitoring COVID-19 closely and have been taking appropriate action as the situation evolves. Learn how your comment data is processed. B.C. After a 1,000-kilometre journey across northern B.C. The Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs has asked Premier John Horgan to immediately cancel the project as it is “massively destructive and […]. Although BC Hydro has scaled back its workforce, it continues to fly workers in and out from across B.C. BC Hydro has reported 40 cases of COVID-19 related to Site C since March 1, 2020, including one new cases Jan. 20. It says there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Site C. Fort St. John, the city closest to the campsites, declared a local state of emergency Tuesday, in part due to concerns infected workers at the site could overwhelm the local hospital. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Construction of Site C is destroying the precious and irreplaceable Peace River Valley – and wasting billions of dollars that the province can’t afford – all for a project that will almost certainly never be completed.”. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry also advocated for balance. As of March 25, there were 875 people staying at the Site C dam camp, with 12 in “self-isolation” due to flu-like symptoms, according to BC Hydro. Site C COVID-19. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Provinces always look askance (or worse) when a federal government tries to stick its nose in their constitutionally-protected business, whatever it might be. One of the first moves of the NDP government of British Columbia was to ask the BC Utilities Commission to examine the Site C dam and to report on the finances of this project by November 1. It is not an emergency service. Mining Vital to Vancouver’s Economic HealthGuest's website: http://www.resourceworks.com/Produced by http://www.HoweStreet.comStay Informed! B.C. The Green Party is lobbying the government to lay them off and shut the project shut down, pending an independent review of the project’s costs and progress, or lack thereof. An excavator dredges out a channel at the entrance to one of the river diversion tunnels on B.C. Shut Down Site C Now, Communists Urge. The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) is the independent, non-governmental expert body responsible for oversight of a binding anti-racism treaty ratified by Canada more than a half-century ago. to shut down work camps or risk further community spread with northern hospitals already stretched thin. Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, UBCIC Secretary-Treasurer, concluded, “Site C isn’t a dam, it’s a money pit. Chief Don Tom, UBCIC Vice President, said: “In a move that betrays all efforts to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the federal and provincial governments tried to convince the UN anti-racism committee that destroying the Peace River Valley was consistent with Canada’s human rights commitments. Now, Site C is just a few months away from rerouting the Peace River near Fort St John, a temporary measure that could last … "There's a lot of essential pieces that need to move in our communities, in our province, in our country," she said. BC Hydro is poised to divert part of a major river to build the $10-billion Site C mega dam in northern B.C. In a strongly worded letter, the Union of B.C. The Peace River Regional District says there are “very serious concerns” with a BC Hydro plan that could see hundreds of trucks per day hauling rock materials down to Site C. The 85th Avenue industrial lands next to Fort St. John are being excavated for glacial till, needed to construct the earth fill dam core and approach channel lining. and Alberta, despite calls from the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs and Fort St. John city councillors to shut down the project during the pandemic. The Site C dam could be up and running by 2020, providing about 900 megawatts of power and 4,600 gigawatt hours of electricity every year, Premier Gordon Campbell said Monday. One of the more intriguing demands by those opposing the Site C dam is that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau step in and block its construction, using the argument that the dam infringes First Nations' rights and poses environmental risk. Lori Ackerman, the mayor of Fort St. John, says BC Hydro has worked with Northern Health to build up specific protocols related to the outbreak. At 170 tonnes, the turbine part is so big it took consultants two years of planning to prepare for its transportation. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. ... but work on the Site C Dam in B.C.’s Peace Region is pressing ahead amid the growing novel coronavirus crisis. A long-time tradesman whose son is working on the Site C Dam, says BC Hydro should suspend construction due to the novel coronavirus. "Given the close quarters and inevitable contact points at the [worker camp], an outbreak of COVID-19 would be disastrous and with dire implications for nearby communities, including First Nation communities," it read. ... Site C dam construction is scheduled to be complete in 2024 or 2025. ... on a promise to kill the Site C dam. Most damning of all, independent experts say there's no demand for the Site C Dam. Justice G. Bruce Butler of the B.C. PV; October 1, 2017 Statement by the BC Committee, Communist Party of Canada, Sept. 17, 2017. The federal Green Party also followed suit, saying, "We are navigating uncharted territory with this pandemic.". Site C dam’s civil works in serious trouble almost one year before public disclosures On Sept. 12, 2019, nearly one year before the public learned of the project’s rising price tag, BC Hydro informed the assurance board that geotechnical risks were “likely,” potentially increasing costs and causing a schedule delay. 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