Let's go to the dam pub: Site C wants in-camp watering hole

Thursday, July 14, 2016

CBC News

'Tantalizing appetizers' and happy hour specials would be on the menu for Site C's 1,600 workers

Workers at the Site C Dam might soon be able tip back a cold one after a long day's work — at their own private bar.

 

A liquor licence application for a new Site C lounge is making it's way through the B.C.'s liquor control branch that hopes to bring the dam's 1,600 workers "a glass of wine on a balmy summer evening, or a warm drink on a cold winter night," according to the proposal.

The application was made by ACTO Two Rivers, the company hired to develop Site C's workforce housing. The proposed tavern would open up inside worker-camp dwellings, pending the approval of a liquor-primary licence from the government.

The Site C lounge would be exclusive to workers and invited guests, offering "tantallizing appetizers", "specialty cocktails", and a "Happy Hour atmosphere", according to ACTO Two Rivers.

A liquor licence application went before the Peace River Regional District board on Thursday. The board decided not to comment on the application, meaning the onus is now on the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch to determine if the bar will benefit the community.

Beer isn't the issue

The Site C dam was approved by the province in December, 2014 and has been the subject of widespread protests regarding both the cost of the facility and beliefs that it will flood historic and sacred First Nations land.

Anti-Site C activists say it's just more money being wasted on an unnecessary project.

"We don't have an issue at all with the workers," said Joe Foy, a national campaign director for the Wilderness Committee. "[They] want a good place to hang out."

"Our complaint is financial. It's $10 bilion for the project — it's just going to cost us a fortune, and we have no need for the power," he said. "But that lands on Chrisy Clark's shoulders, not on the workers shoulders."

The Site C dam is expected to be completed by 2024, according to BC Hydro.


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