1,700-bed Site C dam ‘mini town’ — complete with gym and movie theatre — could be headed to local landfill

A massive, 1,700-person work camp funded by B.C. taxpayers could be facing disposal at a local landfill by the end of the year, according to a recent report. The camp was constructed to support the building of the Site C hydroelectric dam near Fort St. John in northeast B.C., which is considered the largest public infrastructure project in the province’s history.

Opened in 2016 at a cost of $470 million for construction and eight years of operation, the camp boasts amenities such as a movie theatre, gymnasium, fitness center, cafeteria, and 21 three-story dormitories. Each dormitory has about 80 rooms furnished with a bed and bathroom. Google reviews from individuals who have stayed at the camp highlight additional features like a coffee shop, games room, outdoor fire pit, and beer on tap at the bar.

Local authorities are now scrambling to prevent the camp from adding to the local landfill’s waste burden. Leonard Hiebert, the chair of the Peace River Regional District where the camp is located, described the facility as a “mini town” that will no longer be necessary once the dam transitions from construction to operation, requiring fewer workers. Plans are in place to replace the camp with a cultural center, and B.C. Hydro is exploring options to repurpose the accommodations before they are discarded.

During a regional district meeting, it was revealed that a contractor for B.C. Hydro had inquired about the sorting and storage capacity at the local landfill, signaling the potential disposal of the camp buildings. The camp’s structures cover over 665,000 square feet and include concrete slabs, asphalt, and steel piles slated for demolition later this year.

Site C spokesperson Greg Alexis confirmed that efforts have been made to find new uses for the work camp, including reaching out to various organizations such as First Nations, government agencies, and private companies. Despite initial interest from several parties, no firm commitments have been secured. The challenge lies in the size of the buildings, with moving a single dormitory requiring nearly 30 flatbed trucks.

Glyn Lewis, the founder of Renewal Development, emphasized the importance of responsible alternatives to demolition waste, advocating for a shift toward circular design in construction projects. He highlighted the need for more sustainable practices to reduce landfill usage, particularly in the construction and demolition sector. Lewis suggested that modular housing and forward-thinking design could mitigate the disposal of structures like the work camp.

Local leaders are exploring potential repurposing opportunities for the camp buildings, such as converting them into a treatment facility or accommodations for hospital visitors. A meeting with B.C. Hydro is scheduled to discuss next steps in addressing the fate of the work camp. Despite the looming challenge of waste disposal, the need for temporary housing like the camp during large-scale projects remains acknowledged, with a focus on implementing sustainable practices for future developments.