Opponents of northern British Columbia’s Site C dam received a setback when two courts rejected attempts to halt construction of the hydroelectric dam.
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge ruled against an attempt by West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations asking for a stop-work order for the $9 billion project on the Peace River, near Fort St. John, B.C.
However, the First Nations still have a separate action seeking a judicial review of construction permits issued by the province.
Meanwhile, in another court action, the Federal Court has dismissed a challenge of the environmental approval process of the dam.
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The Federal Court dismissed an application by the Peace Valley Landowners Association and the two First Nations groups to review the environmental assessment certificate for the Site C dam.
The Site C dam is the third hydroelectric dam on the Peace River in northern B.C. Local landowners are opposed to its construction because it will flood pristine parts of the river valley.
In a statement Peace Valley Landowners Association president Ken Boon said the Federal Court decision is not an endorsement of the Site C dam.
“Site C is by no means a done deal. This is only the start of a 10 year project. PVLA will review its options and redouble its efforts to halt construction of Site C for two years. This will allow time for further open, independent and expert review of Site C and pursuit of other much less costly, much more environmentally friendly renewable energy alternatives,” said Boon.
