B.C. Hydro and District of Hudson's Hope Open New Recreation Area on Site C Reservoir

B.C. Hydro and the District of Hudson's Hope opened the D.A. Thomas Recreation Area on the Site C reservoir this week. The new site sits just below the town of Hudson's Hope and features picnic tables, an information shelter, and a walking trail along part of a 2.5-kilometre shoreline protection berm built during Site C construction.

Background on the Recreation Area The recreation area is named after a steamboat that travelled the Peace River more than 100 years ago. It is one of several access points to the reservoir that B.C. Hydro committed to providing for communities in the Peace Region.

The W.A.C Bennett Dam Visitor Centre also opened this weekend. B.C. Hydro provided a $50,000 grant to the district for upgrades to parks and campgrounds. Boat launches at Lynx Creek and the Halfway River are projected to open later this summer. A gangway and floating dock for small watercraft are expected to be installed at the D.A. Thomas Recreation Area at a later date.

A spokesperson for B.C. Hydro said the company will decide on opening the boat launches based on monitoring reports and public safety considerations after the reservoir was filled.