BC Hydro issues dam safety reminder after speedboat enters restricted area

BC Hydro is urging boaters to stay clear of restricted areas around John Horgan Dam after a speedboat carrying several people entered one near the dam and generating station on the Peace River on July 16.

The boat was near a spillway, where releases from the reservoir can create turbulence and rapidly changing conditions. BC Hydro said two people entered the water before returning to the boat, which then left the area. Local RCMP were notified, and no injuries were reported.

Community relations manager Bob Gammer said the incident could have had severe consequences because hazards near hydroelectric infrastructure are not always visible from the surface.

The utility issued the reminder ahead of the B.C. Day long weekend, when more people may visit Nááchę Mege, formerly Site C Reservoir. It is asking visitors to obey signs, barriers and exclusion zones and avoid dams, generating stations and spillways.