Oil and gas downturns in B.C. and Alberta ease Site C labour force concerns
VICTORIA — Alberta’s loss is British Columbia’s gain as fears of labour shortages for the construction of the massive Site C dam evaporate amid a slump in the oil and gas industry, says a new report released Tuesday.
The slowdown is providing a steady supply of skilled workers for the Peace River project, the report says, easing previous concerns from experts who had warned of potential labour shortages.
The downturn and low interest rates have also resulted in a lower bottom line for the project, now pegged at $8.3 billion, about $500 million less than expected.
B.C. Hydro, which is building the dam, hired Ernst and Young and BTY Consultancy Group Inc. to review the project’s risks and management of costs. The 43-page report concluded the project is on time and on budget.