Site C dam (BC Hydro) / secrecy over design changes, geotechnical assumptions, and technical risk reporting
Risk Mechanism
During Site C implementation, major cost, schedule, geotechnical, procurement, and scope risks emerged. Weak governance, independent oversight, risk reporting, and cost and schedule analysis limited timely scrutiny of design and delivery decisions.
Case Summary
A 2020 provincial review of the Site C project found significant cost, schedule, geotechnical, procurement, and scope risks. It also identified weaknesses in governance, independent assurance, cost and schedule risk analysis, and risk reporting to government. The review concluded that cost and risk-management systems required major improvement.
Risk Lesson
This case demonstrates how weak risk reporting, cost and schedule analysis, and independent oversight can limit scrutiny of major design and delivery decisions, allowing cost, schedule, and safety risks to escalate without timely challenge. It highlights warning signs such as late recognition of material geotechnical risks, poorly justified change decisions, weak independent assurance, and cost and risk systems that do not provide a reliable basis for oversight.
Reference
Milburn, P. (2020). Site C Project Review: Summary Report. Government of British Columbia. Available from: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/electricity-alternative-energy/electricity/milburn_summary_review.pdf