THE Province and BC Hydro have announced that the Site C dam will officially be known as The John Horgan Dam and Generating Station.
The official name honours former premier John Horgan and recognizes his leadership and commitment to serving the people of British Columbia.
“We’re proud to name the Site C dam and generating station in honour of former premier John Horgan,” said Premier David Eby on Thursday. “John’s leadership and his decision to complete Site C through tough challenges helped secure B.C.’s clean-energy future.”
The naming milestone marks the conclusion of more than a decade of construction and the beginning of a new chapter in clean-energy production. The John Horgan Dam and Generating Station construction began in July 2015, with all six generating units entering service in August 2025.
“Former premier John Horgan approached Site C with a strong sense of responsibility for British Columbia’s long-term energy needs, and with a real commitment to listening and working with Treaty 8 First Nations and affected communities,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “As electricity demand continues to grow, his decision to move forward with Site C has proven critical to securing reliable, clean power for the future, and it reflects his strong belief in stewardship, public service and making tough decisions in the public interest.”
The reservoir will be named Nááchę mege (Dreamer Lake), a name chosen with local First Nations to reflect the deep history, language and cultural connections Indigenous Peoples have to the region and the Peace River.
The John Horgan Dam and Generating Station and Nááchę mege reservoir-area holds deep cultural and historical significance for Treaty 8 First Nations who once shared the land.
BC Hydro invited First Nations to participate in the naming process, with language recommendations developed through workshops and meetings. The final reservoir name was put forward by Doig River First Nation and Blueberry River First Nations as part of the former Fort St. John Beaver Band. Selected in the Beaver (Dane-zaa) language, the reservoir is called Nááchę mege (pronounced nah chay meegeh), which translates to Dreamer Lake.
“In our culture, Dreamers hold a place of the highest respect and play a vital role as cultural leaders and knowledge holders,” said Chief Sherry Dominic of Blueberry River First Nations. “Our members continue to carry their teachings and songs forward to this day. The name Nááchę mege reflects our history and our enduring connection to this land. It honours the cultural legacy of our people and ensures it will be recognized for generations to come.”
“Former premier John Horgan played a key role in moving Site C forward and ensuring B.C. has the clean, reliable power we need today and into the future,” said Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO, BC Hydro. “We’re also grateful for the guidance shared by Treaty 8 First Nations through our naming engagement, which began in 2023 and reflects the importance of collaboration and respect every step of the way.”
The new names reflect the leadership that helped deliver one of British Columbia’s most significant infrastructure projects, and the partnerships that will continue to shape its legacy. The John Horgan Dam and Generating Station stand as a foundation for a cleaner energy future, supporting communities, advancing reconciliation and helping ensure reliable power for generations to come.
Quick Facts:
* The John Horgan Dam and Generating Station project provides clean electricity for 500,000 homes annually, increases BC Hydro’s total electricity supply by 8%, and will serve the province for the next 100 years.
* The reservoir is 83 kilometres long between Fort St. John and Hudson’s Hope, with a total surface area of about 9,330 hectares.
* The final depth of the reservoir varies: 52 metres close to the dam, 36 metres at Halfway River, and 18 metres near Hudson’s Hope.
Learn More:
* For more information on The John Horgan Dam and Generating Station, visit: https://www.sitecproject.com/
* To learn about the commissioning of the sixth and final generating unit on The John Horgan Dam and Generating Station, visit: https://www.sitecproject.com/
