John Horgan, a prominent critic of the contentious Site C hydroelectric dam in northeastern British Columbia, now has the completed megaproject named after him. The province recently announced that the dam, situated on the Peace River near Fort St. John, will be called the John Horgan Dam and Generating Station. This decision, as stated by B.C. Energy Minister Adrian Dix, serves as a recognition of Horgan’s contributions to the province and his pivotal choice to proceed with the dam’s construction after assuming office in 2017.
Premier David Eby, speaking at the naming event attended by Horgan’s family, acknowledged that while Horgan had expressed reservations about the project, his unwavering commitment to prioritizing the interests of British Columbians and the province in his decisions was commendable. The reservoir formed behind the $16-billion dam, stretching 83 kilometers, will be named Nááchę mege, translating to “dreamer lake” in the Dane-Zaa language, a name chosen by local First Nations to pay homage to the revered status of dreamers in their culture.
The official naming of the dam signifies the culmination of over 50 years of debate, protests, and legal battles surrounding the Site C project. Initially denounced as a “$9-billion gamble” by Horgan during Premier Christy Clark’s administration in 2014, the dam faced uncertainty when Horgan became premier in 2017. Despite encountering significant cost overruns and construction challenges, Horgan ultimately decided to proceed with the project, emphasizing the long-term necessity of Site C’s power generation capabilities.
Acknowledging the diverse perspectives on Site C, Horgan reflected on the environmental concerns and the complex considerations that influenced his evolving stance on the project. His varied positions over the years underscored his commitment to engaging with stakeholders, listening to diverse viewpoints, and making decisions in the best interest of the province. The naming of the dam after Horgan signifies a blend of respect for his leadership and the enduring legacy of the project.
The Site C dam faced opposition from Indigenous groups, with years of legal battles and protests challenging the project’s impact on traditional territories and cultural sites. Despite the controversies, only a few First Nations participated in the final naming process for the reservoir. The province is set to collaborate with Indigenous communities in a ceremony to officially name the reservoir in the future.
As work continues at the dam site to develop an Indigenous cultural center and prepare for public access to the reservoir, the legacy of John Horgan and the Site C project remains a subject of ongoing public discourse. Former Energy Minister Michelle Mungall, once a critic of the dam, now supports the decision to proceed with the project, citing the imperative of transitioning to sustainable energy sources for the future. The completion of Site C marks a significant milestone in British Columbia’s energy infrastructure, reflecting a complex interplay of environmental, economic, and cultural considerations.