BC Hydro and District of Taylor reach Community Agreement on Site C

TAYLOR – BC Hydro and the District of Taylor have reached a community agreement for the construction and operation of the proposed Site C Clean Energy Project (Site C).

Under the terms of the agreement, BC Hydro commits to specific mitigation measures important to the District of Taylor, including those that provide lasting benefits to the residents of Taylor and other communities in the Peace Region.

Some of the key measures committed to by BC Hydro in the agreement include:

• Provide $85,000 to the District of Taylor to implement an enhanced water supply monitoring program prior to the start of project construction.
• Implement and fund mitigation measures required in the event that adverse project effects on Taylor’s water supply are identified.
• Implement measures to protect the water treatment plant and pumphouse from potential shoreline erosion.
• Fund the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to install continuous street lighting along Highway 97 through Taylor, changeable message signs and a highway webcam to provide motorists with advance notification of weather and road conditions.
• Fund the development of at least 20 new, long-stay, serviced RV spaces and parking at Peace Island Park.
• Provide $50,000 to the District of Taylor to update their emergency preparedness and response plan.
• Provide $20,000 to the District of Taylor to support their role in road rescue services during project construction.
• Support non-profit organizations in the north and south Peace with an annual fund of $100,000 per year during construction, to be administered by the United Way.
• Form a community liaison committee during the construction phase of the project and support the District of Taylor’s participation with annual funding of $37,500.

In addition to the community agreement, the District of Taylor will also benefit from a Site C Regional Legacy Benefits Agreement between BC Hydro and the Peace River Regional District (PRRD). As part of the legacy benefits agreement, the PRRD and its member municipalities would receive $2.4 million annually – indexed to inflation – for 70 years, starting when Site C is operational.

Site C requires environmental certification and other regulatory permits and approvals before it can proceed to construction. In addition, the Crown has a duty to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate Aboriginal groups.

Quotes

Fred Jarvis, Mayor, District of Taylor

“We’ve worked very hard to reach an agreement with BC Hydro that addresses our concerns should the project proceed. The agreement includes transportation improvements, enhancements to recreation, and key measures to address water security and safety.”

Susan Yurkovich, Executive Vice President, Site C Clean Energy Project

“We are pleased to have an agreement with the District of Taylor related to the construction and operation of Site C. We have had very constructive and collaborative discussions with the District about how to leave the community better off as a result of the Site C project – we believe this agreement achieves that.”

For media inquiries, please contact:
Charlette McLeod
Administrator
District of Taylor
250 789 3392

Craig Fitzsimmons
Site C Clean Energy Project
604 786 5711

About the District of Taylor

The District of Taylor is located on the north bank of the Peace River, along the Alaska Highway. Taylor has been part of the Peace Region for over ninety years and was incorporated in 1958. Today, Taylor is the fastest growing community in the Peace River Region. It is a community that values and nurtures personal endeavor, affordable living and unrivaled amenities for the whole family to enjoy. For more information, visit: districtoftaylor.com.

About Site C

The Site C Clean Energy Project (Site C) is a proposed third dam and hydroelectric generating station on the Peace River in northeast B.C. Site C would provide 1,100 megawatts (MW) of capacity, and produce about 5,100 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity each year — enough energy to power the equivalent of about 450,000 homes per year in B.C.

Subject to environmental certification, Site C would be a source of clean, renewable and cost-effective electricity for more than 100 years. For more information, visit: sitecproject.com.

About BC Hydro

BC Hydro has been providing clean, reliable power to British Columbians for more than 50 years while maintaining among the lowest rates in North America. BC Hydro is a provincial Crown corporation that serves 1.9 million customers and invests in the electrical system and in energy conservation to deliver a safe and reliable supply of electricity for today’s customers and for generations to come. More information is available at: bchydro.com.