Site C is a government proposal that would allow BC Hydro to construct a hydroelectric dam that would flood 83 kilometers near Fort St. John in the Peace River Valley. Due to the growing industries in the area such as oil, gas and mining, the power generated by the dam will create sustainable power to allow these industries to properly function and work. All in all it seems like a perfect opportunity to help growth in BC industry, unless you look at the immediate factors that must be brought into account, such as the First Nations rights. The dam would flood a large amount of farmland and wildlife habitat, which is First Nations land. Also, it would destroy fishing habitats and cultural land in the area that the first nations who live there rely on for food and historical practices. The main reason for this debate is that the energy is not necessary in the area; it would just help make the industries more efficient. Because of this the argument of is preserving land for those who rely on it to live less important than destroying it to build something that is not essential. The First Nations community chiefs in the area both agreed that they will support smaller alternative power projects in areas such as wind and geothermal in order to protect their prized land. With the issue being brought to court, the decision is a matter of will the broader benefits of the proposed project outweigh the adverse effects on the Aboriginal Land. The hydroelectric dam would be a huge step in creating alternative power to increase efficiency in the businesses in the area, but destroying lands that have no alternative is the barrier that the government faces in their proposal.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/First+Nation+chiefs+stage+Site+showdown/10215965/story.html