Site C work camp to be reused for major transmission line project

Key Takeaways:

• BC Hydro is relocating about 85% of the Site C worker camp including 21 dorms and key facilities to support construction of the North Coast Transmission Line starting this summer
• The North Coast Transmission Line project will more than double electricity capacity between Prince George and Terrace and extend north, supporting major economic growth sectors across Northern B.C.
• Repurposing the Site C camp reduces waste, lowers costs and timelines, and has support from First Nations while creating jobs and local economic benefits along the project route

The Whole Story:

BC Hydro is relocating about 85% of the Site C worker accommodation facility to support construction of the North Coast Transmission Line project, which will begin this summer.

The relocation includes 21 modular dormitories, a construction site office and supporting infrastructure, which will be moved to multiple camp locations between Prince George and Terrace. The Site C camp will cease operations on March 31, 2026, with disassembly and transport preparation beginning this spring.

The North Coast Transmission Line will twin the existing 500-kilovolt transmission line between Prince George and Terrace, and extend north of Terrace to Bob Quinn substation, more than doubling electricity capacity in the region. Construction will start with clearing and access work along the project’s right-of-way.

“This outcome is a win-win for British Columbians,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, in a news release. “Repurposing the Site C camp not only prevents unnecessary waste but saves money and time, while supporting a project that will generate significant economic benefits for our province.”

BC Hydro has engaged with First Nations, northern municipalities, non-profit organizations and the private sector since 2023 to explore reuse options for the Site C infrastructure. The repurposing emerged as a cost-effective solution aligned with the North Coast Transmission Line’s in-service timeline.

The facility includes 1,764 beds in 21 three-storey dormitories, each containing 84 rooms with amenities including kitchen and dining facilities, coffee shop and lounge areas. BC Hydro said it will continue negotiations with other organizations interested in remaining assets, such as the theatre and gymnasium structure.

For communities along the route, worker accommodation operations will support local businesses and create job opportunities. The North Coast Transmission Line is being built in partnership with First Nations and the Government of B.C. to deliver clean electricity and unlock economic opportunities in Northern B.C., where mining, critical minerals, LNG, port development and technology sectors are experiencing rapid growth.

“Our goal was to give the Site C camp a meaningful second life,” said Charlotte Mitha, President and CEO of BC Hydro. “With Site C nearly complete and construction on the North Coast Transmission Line starting this summer, the timing is ideal. Repurposing the camp for North Coast Transmission Line workers keeps the project on schedule while supporting cost efficiency and sustainability.”

First Nations partners also endorsed the approach. “As First Nations partners with BC Hydro on Phase 1 of the NCTL project, we want to ensure minimal environmental impacts,” said Chief Robert Michell of Stellat’en First Nation, Chief Beverly Ketlo of Nadleh Whut’en First Nation, Chief Priscilla Mueller of Saik’uz First Nation, and Chief Dolleen Logan of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, in a joint statement. “Providing new uses for this camp saves construction materials and resources to build new camp infrastructure.”