Small Town Faces $5M Liability After B.C. Hydro Affects Water Quality

Residents of Hudson's Hope, B.C., are preparing to vote on a proposal for their district to borrow nearly $5 million to fund a new water treatment plant, a necessary response to ongoing water quality issues stemming from the construction of the Site C dam. This small town, with a population of about 850, is situated along the Peace River, approximately 85 kilometers upriver from the new dam. Since the start of construction, residents have grappled with significant concerns about their tap water, including a two-month "do not consume" order issued in 2022 due to contamination fears.

District councillor Tashana Winnicky expressed the anxiety and frustration felt by the community as they approach the vote, noting that many residents are apprehensive about their water safety. In an effort to keep residents informed, the district has hosted multiple public meetings, including one that lasted seven hours, where officials discussed potential budget cuts to finance a solution. Ultimately, the decision was made to seek a loan for the necessary improvements.

Historically, Hudson's Hope sourced clean water from the Peace River, but the construction of Site C has disrupted this supply. In response, the town initially constructed two wells and a well-water treatment plant with funding from B.C. Hydro. However, following the detection of high contaminant levels in the well water, the town reverted to using river water, which necessitated the installation of a new filtration system to improve its quality. While awaiting the establishment of a permanent solution, Hudson's Hope has been incurring monthly costs of $32,000 for a temporary water treatment facility set up in a truck trailer.

Local officials emphasize the urgent need for a permanent water treatment plant in Hudson's Hope due to the high ongoing costs of the temporary system. On October 5, residents will vote on a bylaw that would enable the district to borrow $4,756,000, plus interest, to finance the construction of this facility. Advance voting begins on September 25. District councillor Tashana Winnicky highlighted the community's deep concern about their future, noting that residents are keenly aware of how this financial decision will affect the district's ability to provide essential services, particularly the delivery of safe, clean drinking water.

Resident Wally Harwood, whose property overlooks the Peace River, believes that B.C. Hydro should cover the costs of the new treatment plant. "It's only natural—why should we spend $5 million to return to the clean water we had before the hydro project caused this damage?" he remarked. Harwood, a former B.C. Hydro employee who supports the dam's construction, argues that the $5 million required for Hudson's Hope's new plant is minimal compared to the overall $16 billion cost associated with the dam. While he acknowledges that B.C. Hydro did provide funding for a new well system, he insists that the company should continue to bear financial responsibility until a proper clean drinking water solution is restored, asserting, "They are still the ultimate cause of the problem.

Currently, there has been no final resolution regarding whether B.C. Hydro will fund the new treatment system. Greg Alexis, a spokesperson for B.C. Hydro regarding the Site C project, stated he could not comment on the ongoing negotiations with the district but noted that "a significant offer has been made.

A recently leaked letter from B.C. Hydro to a local news outlet reveals significant conditions tied to an apparent offer of $2.27 million in cash, alongside the transfer of certain infrastructure ownership. Key among these conditions is a requirement that Hudson's Hope release B.C. Hydro from any future financial obligations. When asked about the letter and the resulting media coverage, B.C. Hydro spokesperson Greg Alexis stated that the article accurately reflects the company's position. He also noted that B.C. Hydro has already contributed nearly $6 million toward water treatment efforts for the town, including around $5 million to support the well system, as well as emergency funds during its failures and assistance in returning to a surface water supply.

District councillor Tashana Winnicky expressed uncertainty about whether the upcoming bylaw vote will pass, emphasizing the untenable situation the district faces if it continues operating the temporary water treatment facility. "If we keep this going, we could ultimately go bankrupt," she warned, adding that without a new plant, residents might face prolonged boil water advisories. The ongoing water quality issues significantly impact vital community services, including the local arena, pool, schools, and healthcare facilities, creating widespread uncertainty for residents.

Alexis indicated that if negotiations between B.C. Hydro and the town falter, the dispute could potentially escalate to court. However, he expressed hope that such a situation could be avoided. Reporter Tessa Vikander, who covers both local and national news for CBC, previously reported for several major outlets, including the Toronto Star and Reuters. She can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with contributions from Lyndsay Duncombe and Carolina de Ryk.

Comments on CBC's online platforms are generally open from 6 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Access to comments may be restricted for various reasons, including moderation capabilities, the nature of the moderation required, and legal considerations. To foster respectful and meaningful discussions, users must submit their full names alongside their comments. It’s important to note that CBC does not endorse the views expressed in these comments, which are moderated in accordance with the Submission Guidelines.

For those looking to participate, you can create an account or log in if you already have one. Audience Relations at CBC can be reached at P.O. Box 500, Station A, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5W 1E6, or by calling the toll-free number 1-866-306-4636 (within Canada only). CBC is committed to making its products accessible to all Canadians, including individuals with visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive challenges. Many CBC shows available on CBC Gem come with closed captioning and described video options to enhance accessibility.