First Nation Chiefs to Stage Site C Showdown
BC Hydro is planning on constructing a dam and a 1 100 watt hydroelectric generator in the Peace River, called Site C. This will create more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy for the province of British Columbia. However, BC Hydro neglected to consider the effects that this project will have on the First Nations groups of the Peace River Valley, one of the key stakeholders in this industry. The local First Nations groups are extremely concerned about the safety of their land that is used for hunting, fishing, and ceremonial practices, because the construction of this dam will cause eighty three kilometers of the Peace River Valley to flood. This is an example of the industry forces that have affected their business model because as stated above, one of the main stakeholders in site C are the local First Nations people. Therefore, they should be able to voice their opinions or concerns they may have regarding the development of this project, and they must be taken into account.
On the other hand, it is understandable how BC Hydro neglected to consider the First Nations due to the appeal of market forces, the factor that most heavily influence their business plan. For instance, BC’s growing population is forcing the province to look into alternative methods of producing energy to match the current and more importantly, the future demand of the citizens. Also, this addition of clean and renewable energy will help the province become more environmentally friendly, thus improving their sustainability and quality of life. The growing concern for the environment is forcing the idea of sustainability to become more and more attractive to the consumer. This will cause the demand for hydroelectric energy to increase, and eventually the province will become more reliant on this new form of energy; thus bringing great economic prosperity to the province of British Columbia.
When creating a business model, a company must consider all external factors that will, in one way or another, affect it’s development.