Now that's a dam twist

BC Hydro and the Province announced this week that the project will now be known as The John Horgan Dam and Generating Station, honouring the former premier's role in seeing the project through years of debate, construction and challenges.

Shaft for the turbine inside of Site C during construction

“We’re proud to name the Site C dam and generating station in honour of former Premier John Horgan,” said Premier David Eby. “John’s leadership and his decision to complete Site C through tough challenges helped secure B.C.’s clean-energy future.”

The announcement comes less than a year after all six generating units entered service, bringing an end to more than a decade of construction that began in July 2015.

“Former Premier John Horgan approached Site C with a strong sense of responsibility for British Columbia’s long-term energy needs, and with a real commitment to listening and working with Treaty 8 First Nations and affected communities,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “As electricity demand continues to grow, his decision to move forward with Site C has proven critical to securing reliable, clean power for the future, and it reflects his strong belief in stewardship, public service and making tough decisions in the public interest.”

The reservoir behind the dam has also received an official name, Nááchę mege (pronounced nah chay meegeh), which translates to Dreamer Lake from the Beaver (Dane-zaa) language.

The name was put forward by Doig River First Nation and Blueberry River First Nations as part of the former Fort St. John Beaver Band following a naming process that included workshops and discussions with First Nations connected to the region.

“In our culture, Dreamers hold a place of the highest respect and play a vital role as cultural leaders and knowledge holders,” said Chief Sherry Dominic of Blueberry River First Nations. “Our members continue to carry their teachings and songs forward to this day. The name Nááchę mege reflects our history and our enduring connection to this land. It honours the cultural legacy of our people and ensures it will be recognized for generations to come.”

According to BC Hydro, the reservoir name was chosen to recognize the cultural and historical connection Indigenous Peoples have maintained with the Peace River and surrounding area for generations.

The project is now expected to generate enough electricity to power roughly 500,000 homes each year while increasing BC Hydro's overall electricity supply by about eight per cent.

The reservoir, which was filled last fall, stretches approximately 83 kilometers between Fort St. John and Hudson's Hope while BC Hydro says the John Horgan Dam and Generating Station is expected to serve the province for the next century.

“Former Premier John Horgan played a key role in moving Site C forward and ensuring B.C. has the clean, reliable power we need today and into the future,” said Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO, BC Hydro. “We’re also grateful for the guidance shared by Treaty 8 First Nations through our naming engagement, which began in 2023 and reflects the importance of collaboration and respect every step of the way.”