Demolition of Site C Dam Work Camp: A Complex Challenge

Demolition of Site C Dam Work Camp: A Complex Challenge

A massive work camp that housed nearly 2,000 workers during the construction of British Columbia’s Site C Dam may soon be headed for the landfill. The camp, nearing completion as the project reaches its final stages, is a significant structure.

Scale of Demolition

  • Demolishing all of these buildings would account for almost 62,000 square meters of space, roughly 1.5 times larger than the Vancouver Convention Centre West Hall.
  • The structures include:
    • Dormitories
    • Kitchens and dining halls
    • Facilities such as fitness centers and gymnasiums
    • Theaters

Concerns from Local Authorities

Directors with the Peace River Regional District expressed alarm over the possibility of demolition at a meeting in March. They were contacted by a company hired by BC Hydro for demolition planning and discussed:

  • Sorting requirements
  • Capacity at the North Peace Regional Landfill

Complexity of Demolition

The demolition process would also involve the disposal of various materials, including:

  • Concrete slabs used beneath many areas within the structures
  • Asphalt from parking lots and roads leading into campsites
  • Steel piles driven deep into the ground during foundation work

This makes total removal quite complex.

Future Possibilities

BC Hydro maintains hope that finding another use for some portion of the camp might still be possible, despite the challenges ahead. However, the current state of the camp does not lend itself easily to conversion without significant alterations before moving forward.

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