Site C reaches employment milestone surpassing 2,000 workers

"Site C construction is making a significant contribution to the region’s economy,” said Mike Bernier, MLA for Peace River South. — Photo courtesy Derrick Penner

There are now more than 2,000 workers on the Site C Clean Energy Project, according to BC Hydro's latest employment statistics.

“I’m pleased to see that the construction of Site C is continuing to create good jobs for British Columbians,” said Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines. “There are now more than 2,000 workers on this project, with over 1,700 of those jobs going to British Columbians.”

The latest employment statistics show that there were 2,124 total workers on the Site C project in January 2017, with 1,719 workers from British Columbia (81%).

There were 677 workers on site from the Peace River Regional District in January — that’s 41% of the construction and non-construction contractor’s workforce.

“Site C construction is making a significant contribution to the region’s economy,” said Mike Bernier, MLA for Peace River South. “I’m pleased to see that there are now almost 700 people from the Peace River Regional District working on the project.”

“The BC Chamber of Commerce worked alongside local chambers in the northeast region to facilitate workshops that connected BC Hydro with local businesses and expertise, and today we see how this effort has materialized into well-paying jobs for British Columbians,” said Val Litwin, president and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “We’re encouraged that the Site C Clean Energy Project will continue to create opportunities for local skilled workers.”

The latest job numbers reflect an increase in construction activities as main civil works advances and highway realignment work gets underway on the project. Additional construction activities are scheduled to take place this year as the turbines and generators contractor mobilizes to site this spring.

Quick Facts:

• There were 195 Aboriginal people working for Site C construction and non-construction contractors on the project site in January. In addition, approximately $150 million in procurement opportunities have been committed to Aboriginal companies to date.
• There were 257 women working for Site C construction and non-construction contractors in January.
• There were 42 apprentices employed during the month of January 2017. As with any construction project, the number of apprentices will vary depending on the type work being performed.
• The turbines and generators contractor, Voith Hydro, will mobilize to the dam site in spring of this year. BC Hydro expects to award the generating station and spillways civil works contract later this year.