As the need and demand for energy in B.C. is increasing rapidly, as expected to increase by 40 percent in the next two decades, B.C. Hydro is planning for the future. The Site C Clean Energy Project, proposes that a third dam and hydroelectric power generating station be built on the Peace River in northeast B.C. This would generate enough energy to power about 450,000 homes in B.C. per year. However, I feel First Nations partner issues come into play in the external factors which impact B.C. Hydro’s business plan for this project. This proposed project which is subject to an environmental certificate, raises very important socio-economic issues for the company. If the dam were to be built, it would cause flooding in the valley, and destroy the existing wildlife and farmland in that area. It would also have a significant impact on fishing opportunities. The Site C Clean Energy project would simply infringe on the Treaty 8 Tribe Association rights to that land, where they hold cultural ceremonies and the First Nations right to hunt and fish. In my opinion, if this project is approved, it would alter the socio-cultural practices of the First Nations in that area, and as it is already known what impact this would have on the surrounding communities, and would therefore change the public opinion and attitude towards B.C. Hydro. With this in mind, B.C. Hydro, should proceed with caution in order to ensure that the social impact of such project will not affect the performance and activities of the business in the long-term.

Sources:

B.C. Hydro. “Site C Clean Energy Project.” B.C. Hydro. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Oct. 2014. <https://www.bchydro.com/energy-in-bc/projects/site_c.html>.

O’Neil, Peter. “First Nations Chief to Stage Site C Showdown.” The Vancouver Sun. Vancouver Sun, 18 Sept. 2014. Web. 4 Oct. 2014. <http://www.vancouversun.com/news/First+Nation+chiefs+stage+Site+showdown/10215965/story.html>.