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The Site C Dam project in British Columbia, a $16 billion mega undertaking, is nearing completion, and with it comes the fate of the massive work camp that housed nearly 2,000 workers. As discussions around the future of this camp heat up, questions arise: will it be demolished, or can it find a new purpose?
Concerns from local directors
During a recent meeting, directors from the Peace River Regional District expressed their alarm over the potential demolition of the work camp. They were contacted by a demolition planning company hired by BC Hydro, which raised questions about sorting requirements and landfill capacity.
District director Brad Sperling voiced his surprise, stating, “Never once have they ever said that this would be coming to our landfill or being demolished.” This uncertainty has sparked concern among local leaders who have been involved with the project from the start.
The camp’s massive scale and facilities
The work camp is not just a collection of temporary structures; it encompasses nearly 62,000 square meters of buildings, including dormitories, kitchens, dining halls, a fitness center, and even a theater. To put it in perspective, this is about 1.5 times the size of the Vancouver Convention Centre.
As the project approaches its final stages, the camp’s future becomes increasingly pressing. Demolition would involve disposing of substantial materials, including concrete slabs, asphalt, and steel piles, raising environmental concerns.
BC Hydro’s plans for the camp
BC Hydro remains optimistic about the camp’s future, hoping to find a new home for the structures, either in whole or in part.
Greg Alexis, the Site C public affairs manager, stated, “Our priority is to find an organization or a company out there to take it, to repurpose it.” Since the initial outreach, interest has surged, with 90 organizations inquiring about the camp.
However, challenges remain. The camp’s design is not conducive to social housing, as individual units lack kitchens and windows that open, complicating potential repurposing efforts.
Logistical challenges of relocation
Relocating the camp poses significant logistical hurdles. For instance, moving a single dormitory with 80 rooms would require 30 flat-deck trailers, making the process cumbersome and costly. As BC Hydro navigates these challenges, the regional district has requested more information about the situation. If a buyer cannot be found, BC Hydro plans to finalize a decommissioning plan, outlining the costs involved.
As the Site C Dam project approaches its completion, the fate of the work camp remains uncertain. Will it face demolition, or can it be repurposed for a new life? The coming months will be crucial in determining the future of this significant structure and its impact on the local community.
