Second of three phases completed on schedule and on budget

FORT ST. JOHN – BC Hydro and its contractor, ATCO Two Rivers Lodging Group, have reached a milestone in the construction of the Site C worker accommodation lodge. The second phase of the lodge – which adds 900 rooms and key amenities – has been completed on time and on budget.

The Site C worker lodge is being constructed in three phases. The first phase, which was completed in February 2016, included 300 rooms and temporary amenity facilities. Phase two of the camp brings the total number of rooms to 1,200 and includes the full dining hall and kitchen, lounge and fitness facility. The final phase is on track to be completed later this summer when all 1,600 rooms will be available for Site C construction workers.

ATCO Two Rivers Lodging Group was awarded the eight-year $470-million contract to complete the design, construction, partial financing, operation and maintenance of the worker accommodation lodge. This contract includes the creation of approximately 360 positions during the construction and operation of the lodge. ATCO Two Rivers Lodging is recruiting locally for these positions.

Some of the ATCO workforce during construction and operations includes: maintenance technicians, carpenters, electricians, HVAC technicians, general labour, front desk clerks, cooks, general kitchen help, salad and sandwich makers, bakers and dishwashers.

There are now more than 1,200 British Columbians working on the Site C project, according to BC Hydro's latest employment statistics.

Quotes

Hon. Mike Bernier, MLA, Peace River South:

"With the completion of the second phase of the camp, we have another construction milestone accomplished on schedule and within budget. I'm pleased to see the construction of Site C progressing well."

Pat Pimm, MLA, Peace River North:

"Construction of the lodge has created hundreds of jobs and the operations of the facility will create many more. It's good to see these additional rooms open up as Site C contractors ramp up their activities and hiring."

Chris O'Riley, Deputy CEO, BC Hydro:

"The quality of worker accommodation is a key component of the project's labour approach to attract and retain workers. At the same time, we've designed a lodge that will be self-sufficient to minimize the impact on nearby communities."

Steve Lockwood, President & Chief Operating Officer, ATCO Structures & Logistics Ltd.:

"With the commitment and dedication of our employees and contractors, we are pleased to turn over phase two to BC Hydro. In addition to meeting schedule and budget metrics, it's also important to recognize that these milestones have been achieved with a significant focus on safety, which is evident in the accomplishment of more than 690,000 hours without a lost-time incident."

Facts

• The worker lodge for Site C will be built to house approximately 1,600 Site C construction workers, with services and utilities designed to accommodate a total capacity of 2,200, if required.
• The accommodations will feature single-occupancy bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, television and Wi-Fi services. In addition, workers will have access to a fitness facility that will include cardio equipment and a weight training area.
• Health care services at the lodge are being provided by Halfway River International SOS Medical Ltd. — a partnership between Halfway River First Nation and International SOS Medical. BC Hydro also worked collaboratively with Northern Health to identify delivery models to provide access to health care services directly on the construction site.  

The Site C Clean Energy Project is a hydroelectric dam and generating station under construction in northeast B.C. The project is being built to meet long-term electricity needs in B.C. Once complete in 2024, the project will provide clean, reliable and cost-effective electricity for more than 100 years.

For more information:
BC Hydro Media Relations
604-928-6468