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Thursday, July 6, 2023

A Timeline of the Site C Dam in British Columbia

This timeline was originally created in February 2021 when costs were revised upwards to $16 billion.


1958
Site C first identified as potential dam site.

1971
Engineering studies begin.

1983
Site C rejected by BC Utilities Commission.

1990 Social Credit government commits to Site C, but loses 1991 election.

1993 Site C rejected by BC Hydro.

2001 BC Liberals win election, ending decade of BC NDP governance.Z

2007
Feasibility study puts Site C cost at $6.6 billion.

2010 Site C project revived by BC Liberals.

2011 Costs revised to $7.9 billion.

2014 Costs revised to $8.8 billion.

2015 NDP opposition leader John Horgan publicly opposes Site C.

2016 Site C construction starts.

BC NDP leader John Horgan (right) joins Site C protesters in the Peace River Valley during the 2017 BC election campaign.


May 2017
BC NDP wins election and forms minority government. John Horgan becomes Premier.

November 2017 BC Utilities Commission inquiry says Site C will cost $12 billion

December 2017 Horgan announces Site C will go ahead. Costs now $10.7 billion. Cancellation costs: $4.4 billion

November 2018 Earthquake forces evacuation at Site C.

March 2020 BC NDP leader John Horgan declares Site C "essential service" during pandemic.

September 2020 BC election called by BC NDP.

Oct 2020 BC NDP wins majority.

January 2021 Horgan announces two new reviews of Site C.

February 2021 Horgan announces Site C cost is $16 billion. Cancellation costs: $10 billion

Left out of this timeline:

  1. Geological & environmental problems with Site C
  2. Treaty violations against West Moberly First Nation
  3. Secret no-bid contracts of at least $171 million
  4. BC's civilian energy use doesn't require Site C
  5. Site C is believed to be for Kitimat LNG plant