Energy

Right now, Oil & Gas exploration and production is moving at a record setting pace and provides over 12,000 direct jobs in our region.  Although we know that fossil fuel is a big part of the future of the North Peace, our region is also excited about the many opportunities for alternatives to fossil fuels. The region already has two hydro electric dams, the Peace Canyon Dam and the WAC Bennet Dam which is the largest hydro electric dam in British Columbia. There is also speculation of a third dam in our region, the l "Site C" dam. Wind farm development and solar development are currently being explored in the North Peace.

The region is actively promoting alternative energy production sources such as solar power and wind power. Major wind farm developments hold great potential and are under consideration in the North Peace. There are many active wind farm development tenures in the area. We expect this sector to grow steadily in the next 10 years. 

W.A.C. Bennett Dam that generates electricity is one of the main attractions of the area located twenty minutes from Hudson's Hope. (Hudson's Hope is 86km west of Fort St. John). The dam was built in 1967. The Visitor Reception Centre is also located overlooking Williston Lake. (250) 783-5211.

Peace Canyon Dam life size dinosaur display is located next to the power house. The dam forms Dinosaur Lake. The Peace Canyon Dam is open for selfguided tours from 8am-4pm, Monday-Sunday (May-October). Open 8am-4pm Monday-Friday the rest of the year. The WAC Bennett Dam and the Peace Canyon Dam supply 40% of British Columbia's hydroelectric power. (250) 783-9943.

The Site C Clean Energy Project (Site C) is currently in Stage 3, environmental and regulatory review. This stage will include an independent environmental assessment. Construction of Site C is subject to environmental certification and required regulatory approvals, and ensuring that the Crown's constitutional duties to First Nations are met. During Stage 3, significant engineering, environment and socio-economic work will take place and field studies will continue throughout the Peace River valley. As well, there will be further opportunities for consultation and input by the public, stakeholders, Aboriginal groups and communities.

Oil & Gas

The northeast area of British Columbia provides a great opportunity to companies and people involved in the exploration and development of the oil and gas industry. The relatively lightly explored northeast area of British Columbia is part of the geologic hydrocarbon bearing area known as the Western Canada Sedimentary (WCSB) Basin. The Basin contains the vast majority of the oil, gas and crude bitumen in Canada, and the area within the borders of British Columbia recently has been determined to have new undiscovered potential for crude oil, marketable gas and coal-bed methane.



Large, world-class natural gas discoveries, a deregulated gas market, new markets in eastern Canada and the growing demands of the US market offer significant economic growth potential. The provincial government, through regulatory efficiencies, tax efficiencies and infrastructure investments, aims to double oil and gas production and stimulate $25 billion in industry investment over the next decade. As a result of over five decades of exploration and development in the North Peace region, the industrial service sector has distinguished itself by providing expertise to the oil and gas industry that must function in a challenging northern climate.

For more information

Services Available in the North Peace.

  •  a full range of plant construction, maintenance and operation services
  •  production equipment supply and service
  •  construction services including roads, site preparation, pipeline and bridge work
  •  well site maintenance
  •  all hauling, transport and hotshot services
  •  oilfield and industrial supplies (wholesale and retail)
  •  charter air services (helicopter and fixed wing)
  •  rentals for a wide range of industry-specific needs, including tanks, bridges and heavy equipment
  •  natural gas transmission and processing
  •  welding, electrical, machining, plumbing and heating, drafting, and other trades and professional services
  •  drilling mud and chemicals
  •  steam trucks and pressure testing services
  •  solid and ever-improving communications infrastructure design and installation
  •  safety, first aid, camp and catering services
  •  wire-line and logging services
  •  oil and gas well stimulation, fracturing, completion and work-over services

Business Investment

The upstream petroleum industry encourages business investment in all sectors contributing to exploration and production, in particular oilfield service, supply, and manufacturing.

Resource Links

Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources  
Oil & Gas Commission
Energy Services B.C.
Northeast Aboriginal Contractors