Yet one constant remained: safety. “From working with heavy machinery and at heights, to managing through frigid temperatures and electrical hazards, we always ensured every facet of the project was completed safely,” Alexis says. “We’ve now reached 65 million work hours on the project, all while keeping safety at the forefront.”
That focus on safety reflects the broader culture at BC Hydro, which has long emphasized the importance of protecting workers while executing complex projects.
Long-Term Benefits
Now ranked as the fourth-largest by capacity of BC Hydro’s more than 30 hydroelectric generating stations, Site C will serve British Columbians for the next century. It will provide a reliable supply of clean energy while positioning the province to meet ambitious climate goals.
Hydropower with reservoir storage, unlike some renewable sources, provides firm energy—meaning, it can generate electricity around the clock, regardless of weather or season. This stability makes it the cornerstone for integrating other renewables like wind and solar, which fluctuate depending on natural conditions.
The scale of Site C means its impact is felt not just regionally, but provincially. As industries transition away from fossil fuels and toward electrification, the project provides the assurance that B.C. has the capacity to support growth while still reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Community and Environmental Commitments
While construction is winding down, BC Hydro’s responsibilities in the Peace region are far from over. The utility has entered into community agreements that provide funding to local governments, helping address project impacts and ensuring long-term benefits for residents.
“We are committed to meeting our environmental and social mitigation responsibilities that came with Site C, not just through project completion, but well into the future,” Alexis emphasizes.
That commitment includes environmental restoration, land reclamation, and long-term monitoring. It also involves sustained engagement with Indigenous and local communities who were most directly affected by the project.
A Century of Clean Power
For the next hundred years, the facility will supply clean, renewable electricity to homes, businesses, and industries across the province.
It represents stability in an uncertain time, when energy demand is rising and the need to decarbonize is urgent. It also showcases the enduring role of hydroelectric power in Canada’s energy mix: a resource that provides not only electricity, but economic development, jobs, and long-term resilience.
As Alexis reflects, the success of Site C lies in both its capacity and its timing. “Now that Site C is in full operation, it will play a vital role in maintaining a stable, reliable electricity system for the next century.”
For more information, please visit www.sitecproject.com
