Chetwynd, B.C.- The District of Chetwynd  has reached a community agreement with BC Hydro  on the proposed Site C  dam.

Under the agreement, BC Hydro  promises to  put $50 thousand dollars towards the development of recreation sites on the south bank  between Chetwynd and the Reservoir.

BC Hydro also promises to  work with its contractors to “ identify and increase  apprenticeship opportunities”

The deal alaso provides donations by BC Hydro to  Chetwynds emergency rescue service and  non profit organizations during   the construction period.

“The District of Chetwynd has been working to ensure equal access to jobs and contracting opportunities for the people of Chetwynd in the event that the proposed Site C project receives approval” says  Chetwynd District Mayor  Merlin Nichols.  “ We have also made our position clear on the use of the various public roads passing through town and leading to the site of the proposed dam. We appreciate that our concerns have been heard on several occasions and that the agreement generally reflects these concerns.”

This agreement is not the only  one by which the District  of Chetwynd  will benefit if the $8 billion dollar  dam project is  approved.

 It will also benefit from a Site C Regional Legacy Benefits Agreement between BC Hydro and the Peace River Regional District (PRRD). As part of the legacy benefits agreement, the PRRD and its member communities would receive $2.4 million annually — indexed to inflation — for 70 years, starting when Site C is operational.

The news of the agreement with the District of Chetwynd, comes just three days before the Joint Review Panel starts  the Environmental Assessment hearings on the project.  The first session is set to start in Ft. St. John on Monday, December 9th.