Learn how the projects we funded last year in our Peace Region helped to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife in watersheds impacted by BC Hydro dams. Our annual reports provide an overview of our work for the year, and our project outcomes share results from the projects funded by our Peace Region board.

Peace Region approves 24 fish & wildlife projects

Our Peace Region board approved nearly $1.9 million for 24 projects this year. The projects—nine fish and 15 wildlife—will be delivered by Indigenous Nations, communities and businesses, as well as agencies, stewardship groups, and consultants.

The projects align with many of our priorities for riparian areas, wetlands, uplands, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. The projects are diverse and support a wide range of species including caribou, Arctic grayling, moose, bull trout, bats, Stone’s sheep, elk, wolverine, and grizzly bears.

The 2024-2025 projects will, among other things, help improve fish passage, restore a wetland, expand data collection on birds and bats, reduce human and predator impacts on caribou through road restoration, and help prepare for managing fish in a warming climate. Several projects respond to First Nations’ priorities related to moose and food sustainability, culturally important plants, and bull trout populations.

Read our Peace Region 2024–2025 project list, look at our project map, and scroll up to explore our interactive map.

We have identified conservation priorities for fish and wildlife in each of our three regions: Coastal, Columbia and Peace. These priorities and recommended actions are reflected in a series of watershed and ecosystem-based action plans that vary by region.

These plans recommend specific projects and priorities, and guide our grant decisions. In our Peace Region, we fund projects that align with our four Peace Region ecosystem-based action plans. Be sure to read our Overview of Peace Region Action Plans.

A local Board made up of BC Hydro, the Province of B.C., Fisheries and Oceans Canada, First Nations and public stakeholders, guides the work of the FWCP and is responsible for approving all FWCP projects in our Peace Region.

Most fish and wildlife projects in FWCP’s Peace Region are funded through FWCP grants, but our Board may choose to direct projects and approve funding to address regional priorities. Read our annual report. See our Peace Region map.

A unique First Nations’ Working Group (FNWG) is actively involved in FWCP’s Peace Region. The FNWG is responsible for ensuring First Nations considerations and input are included in FWCP planning and projects.

The FWCP’s Peace Region compensates for fish and wildlife impacts resulting from construction of the W.A.C. Bennett and Peace Canyon dams. Site C will be a third dam and generating station on the Peace River in northeast B.C. The project will provide 1,100 megawatts of capacity and about 5,100 gigawatt hours of energy each year to the province’s integrated electricity system. Site C is expected to be in service by 2025, with reservoir filling planned to occur in the fall of 2023. Site C and FWCP have an interest in sharing information regarding active programs in order to identify overlaps or synergies. Current federal and provincial authorizations and conditional water licence obligations require BC Hydro to establish environmental monitoring, mitigation, and compensation programs to address pre- and post-construction impacts specified within the water licence project conditions. Under the water licence, after five years of dam operation (~2030), BC Hydro is to provide the Water Comptroller with an assessment of the adequacy of the mitigation and monitoring programs for those conditions within the water licence and submit a report. The Water Comptroller will review the submission and may direct additional programs if mitigation and monitoring is determined to be inadequate to satisfy the intent of the condition. Learn more about Site C’s environmental programs. 

Stay up to date with the latest news from our Peace Region with our regional e-letter.

Our First Nations Working Group (FNWG) was established in 2012 through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Doig River, Kwadacha, McLeod Lake, Nak’azdli, Prophet River, Saulteau, the Treaty 8 Tribal Association, Tsay Keh Dene, and West Moberly First Nations.

The FNWG ensures First Nations’ considerations and input are included in all aspects of our strategic planning, annual operating plans, project review, approval and initiation, and capacity-building.

To ensure early First Nation engagement in all FWCP projects, each grant applicant must submit a mandatory Notice of Intent (NOI) form prior to their grant application.  The NOI helps grant-seekers identify contacts and incorporate First Nations input and recommendations into grant applications and projects. Contact the Regional Manager for more details.