B.C. First Nations seek injunction to halt Site C project on Peace River

The First Nations say Site C would flood parts of the of the Peace River Valley, the traditional territory of the West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations, violating constitutionally protected treaty rights.

Mogerman says what used to be river a moose would cross is a reservoir an animal would die in and the project must be stopped because it has not gone past the point of no return.

Chief Roland Willson of the West Moberly First Nations says Site C would introduce mercury-laden fish into Moberly Lake and disrupt the longest fresh-water fish migration in North America.

“The river had a cultural significance to us because it was a gathering spot,” he said of the Peace River.

“What we have said right from the beginning is that we’re not opposed to the creation of energy,” Willson said.

He said alternative forms of power, including geothermal, solar and wind, have not been adequately explored.

“We’re fighting for the survival of who we are as a people and the Peace River Valley is a significant piece of that.”

British Columbia’s New Democrat government announced last December that it would back the completion of Site C though it would cost nearly $11 billion, up from an estimated $8.3 billion.

The NDP had been against the controversial project while in Opposition but said the province risked a credit downgrade and debt-servicing costs of up to $150 million annually if the project that started in 2015 was cancelled.

BC Hydro has said the Site C dam would flood 5,500 hectares of land, of which at least 3,800 hectares is agricultural. The project would also flood Indigenous heritage sites.

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

B.C. First Nations seek injunction to halt Site C project on Peace River

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