BC Hydro repurposing Site C worker camp for North Coast Transmission Line Project, bringing long-term benefits to northern communities
Categories: BC, Hydroelectricity
VANCOUVER: BC Hydro is giving the Site C worker accommodation facility a new and meaningful role by repurposing it to support the construction of the North Coast Transmission Line project. About 85 per cent of the camp – which includes all 21 modular dormitories, the construction site office and other key supporting infrastructure – will be relocated to multiple camp locations between Prince George and Terrace.
By reusing existing high-quality infrastructure, BC Hydro will meet construction timelines for the North Coast Transmission Line project, which will deliver lasting economic benefits to Northern B.C., First Nation’s communities, and the province.
“This outcome is a win-win for British Columbians,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Repurposing the Site C camp not only prevents unnecessary waste but saves money and time, while supporting a project that will generate significant economic benefits for our province.”
The Site C camp will end operations on March 31, 2026. Work to disassemble the existing camp and prepare it for transport will begin this spring. In the meantime, BC Hydro will continue negotiations with other organizations who have previously expressed interest in the remaining assets – such as the theatre, gymnasium structure, amongst other buildings – to explore additional uses.
Construction on the North Coast Transmission Line will begin this summer, starting with clearing and access work along the project’s right-of-way.
The North Coast Transmission Line is a nation-building project, built in partnership with First Nations and the Government of B.C., that will deliver clean reliable power to unlock economic opportunities in northern B.C. The project will twin the existing 500‑kilovolt transmission line between Prince George and Terrace, and north of Terrace to Bob Quinn substation, which will more than double electricity capacity in a region experiencing rapid growth in mining, critical minerals, LNG, port development and technology.
“We are supportive of reusing the Site C camp. As First Nations partners with BC Hydro on Phase 1 of the NCTL project, we want to ensure minimal environmental impacts. Providing new uses for this camp saves construction materials and resources to build new camp infrastructure. These resources can be better used to mitigate impacts on our lands impacted by the NCTL project. We will ensure that this historic project is built efficiently and economically.” – Chief Robert Michell – Stellat’en First Nation; Chief Beverly Ketlo – Nadleh Whut’en First Nation; Chief Priscilla Mueller – Saik’uz First Nation; Chief Dolleen Logan – Lheidli T’enneh First Nation
For communities along the route, the benefits extend beyond clean electricity. The operation of the worker accommodations will support local businesses, create job opportunities and contribute to local economies.
Since 2023, BC Hydro has actively engaged with local First Nations, northern municipalities, non-profit organizations, provincial agencies, and the private sector to explore options for re-using the Site C camp infrastructure. As the North Coast Transmission Line project planning advanced, the opportunity to repurpose the Site C assets emerged as a cost-effective solution and the best option to meet the project’s in-service date to deliver clean electricity to growing industries in the north.
“Our goal was to give the Site C camp a meaningful second life,” said Charlotte Mitha, President and CEO of BC Hydro. “With Site C nearly complete and construction on the North Coast Transmission Line starting this summer, the timing is ideal. Repurposing the camp for North Coast Transmission Line workers keeps the project on schedule while supporting cost efficiency and sustainability. We’re pleased the Site C accommodations are well suited for this project.”
The Site C worker accommodation facility has been maintained to a high standard. The facility includes 1,764 beds housed in 21 three-storey modular dormitories, and a construction site office. Each dormitory contains 84 rooms which are complemented by amenities such as a central atrium lobby, kitchen and dining hall, coffee shop, and lounge – features that will help provide safe, comfortable housing for the North Coast Transmission Line project workers as construction ramps up.