B.C. to Rename Site C Dam After Former Premier John Horgan

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The Site C Dam in British Columbia is set to be renamed in honor of former Premier John Horgan, reflecting his complex relationship with the controversial hydroelectric project.

In a significant announcement made in Victoria, Premier David Eby revealed that the Site C Dam will be renamed the John Horgan Dam and Generating Station. This decision, which took place on Thursday and was attended by Horgan’s family, including his wife Ellie, marks a notable tribute to the former premier who passed away in November 2024. Despite his criticism of the dam, which he deemed problematic for its environmental and social impact, Horgan's leadership during a pivotal time ultimately led to the project's continuation. Eby acknowledged the complexity of the naming decision, noting that Horgan himself would have likely opposed such an honor, given his past misgivings about the project. Eby humorously suggested that Horgan would have expressed his disapproval with more colorful language than merely calling it a 'dam.' As the premier, Horgan once famously stated, 'there are many positions on the Site C Dam, I should know, I’ve held all of them.' His guiding principle, according to Eby, was always to prioritize the welfare of British Columbians in every decision he made. When faced with the choice to halt or proceed with the Site C project, Horgan engaged in extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including BC Hydro, his cabinet, and external experts. This thorough engagement process was a hallmark of Horgan's leadership style, emphasizing the importance of debate and differing opinions. B.C. Minister of Forests, Ravi Parmar, shared fond memories of Horgan, describing him as a person with a vibrant personality who made others feel valued. Parmar expressed that the new name is a fitting recognition of Horgan's legacy as a leader who championed large-scale projects. The Site C Dam, which became fully operational last year, has a staggering final cost of $16 billion, almost double the initial budget. This renaming signifies the dam's importance as a key component of B.C.'s clean energy future. The reservoir associated with the dam, an expansive 83-kilometer lake linking Fort St. John and Hudson’s Hope, has been named Naache mege, or Dreamer Lake, in honor of local First Nations culture. Sherry Dominic, chief of the Blueberry River First Nations, highlighted the cultural significance of the name, underscoring the respect accorded to dreamers in their communities. A ceremony with First Nations leaders to officially recognize the reservoir's name is planned for a future date. Eby stated that naming the dam after Horgan symbolizes the intricate and challenging decisions he faced and showcases his commitment to the interests of the province. He further articulated that this renaming aligns with B.C.'s aspirations to advance its clean energy initiatives, enhancing its competitive edge amidst global uncertainties and economic challenges. The legacy of Horgan will thus continue to shape the province's energy landscape for generations to come.

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