Update on Site C Dam Proposal

B-C'S MINISTER OF ENERGY AND MINES SAYS IT WILL TAKE A FEW MONTHS FOR THE B-C GOVERNMENT TO GO OVER THE LATEST REPORT ON THE SITE C DAM PROPOSAL.

BLAIR LEKSTROM SAYS B-C HYDRO HAS HANDED OVER ITS PHASE TWO REPORT INVESTIGATING THE CASE FOR A THIRD DAM TO BE BUILT ON THE PEACE RIVER NEAR FORT ST JOHN.

LEKSTROM SAYS HYDRO IS MAKING A RECOMMENDATION ON WHETHER OR NOT TO PROCEED TO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STAGES, BUT ADDS THAT DOESN'T MEAN THE PROVINCE WILL AGREE.

EARLY COST ESTIMATES SUGGEST THE DAM CONSTRUCTION COULD BE MORE THAN 6 BILLION DOLLARS, BUT IT WOULD PRODUCE ENOUGH ELECTRICITY TO POWER MORE THAN 450 THOUSAND HOMES.