BC Hydro and Hudson's Hope have reached an agreement over the construction of the Site C dam and the utility's operation in the Peace Region.
BC Hydro announced the $1-million agreement Thursday, outlining financial supports to the community as well as a new committee to improve communication and settle disputes.
Under the agreement, Hudson's Hope will receive $1 million, which includes $268,000 to establish an infrastructure trust fund; $442,000 to recognize land impacts caused by the Site C reservoir; $150,000 to upgrade Alwin Holland Park and other shoreline recreation development; $80,000 to support community planning; and $20,000 to support emergency rescue services.
“This agreement provides the foundation for a sustainable and thriving community that supports individuals and families with quality community services and infrastructure, a variety of recreational opportunities and support for local service providers,” Hudson's Hope Coun. Dave Heiberg said in a statement.
The agreement also provides for BC Hydro to fund the revitalization of the Atkinson property to include a new 25 to 33-lot subdivision, the building of a "demonstration home" in the subdivision for use by a local doctor or other community services professionals, as well as the building of a permanent boat launch and seasonal dock and day use area on DA Thomas Road and at Lynx Creek.
The district and BC Hydro will also establish a community engagement committee to facilitate operational communications, and a dispute resolution process.
Hudson's Hope has been negotiating with BC Hydro for years over the Site C project, saying it is the municipality most impacted by the dam's development--standing to lose 1,037 hectares of land to statutory right-of-ways, as well as taxes from prime property for development along the Peace River shoreline.
"Hudson’s Hope is important to BC Hydro and our employees," said Mark Poweska, BC Hydro's senior VP of training, development and generation.
"For over 50 years, Hudson’s Hope has provided a welcoming community and home for our employees and their families, including my own, as they support our operations in the Peace Region. We are pleased to support the revitalisation of a new subdivision within the District of Hudson’s Hope which will be home to many families in the future.”
BC Hydro/Hudson's Hope Site C/Operations Agreement by mpreprost on Scribd
