A massive 1,700-person work camp, originally built to support the construction of the Site C hydroelectric dam near Fort St. John, B.C., could end up in a local landfill by the end of the year. The camp, which opened in 2016 at a cost of $470 million, includes amenities like a movie theatre, gym, cafeteria, and 21 dormitories, and has housed workers for nearly a decade.
Now that the dam is generating power and construction is winding down, the need for the camp has decreased, and B.C. Hydro is exploring options for repurposing the facilities. Despite reaching out to various organizations, including First Nations and private companies, no firm interest in acquiring the buildings has been found.
Local leaders are concerned about the environmental impact, as the camp’s materials—over 665,000 square feet of buildings, asphalt, and concrete—could soon fill up the local landfill. The Peace River Regional District is working with B.C. Hydro to explore alternative solutions to prevent further waste.
Sustainability experts warn that this situation highlights broader issues with construction waste in B.C., calling for better planning and design to ensure buildings are repurposed instead of disposed of after their original use.
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