Residents and visitors in Hudson’s Hope will have expanded access to outdoor recreation this summer with the opening of a new waterfront recreation area and the seasonal reopening of parks, campgrounds and visitor facilities across the community.
BC Hydro and the District of Hudson’s Hope officially opened the new D.A. Thomas Recreation Area, a project developed through BC Hydro’s Site C community investment program. The recreation site, located on the traditional territory of Treaty 8 First Nations, will be owned and maintained by BC Hydro.
The waterfront site includes picnic facilities, an information shelter and a walking trail along part of the 2.6-kilometre shoreline protection berm overlooking the Site C reservoir. A gangway and floating dock for small-craft use are planned for a future phase.
“The district is proud to partner with BC Hydro to help expand the recreation experiences available in Hudson’s Hope,” said Mayor Travous Quibell. “The new D.A. Thomas Recreation Area, along with the seasonal reopening of our campgrounds, parks and visitor centre, supports residents and visitors alike by encouraging people to spend time outdoors and explore the Peace Region.”
The opening comes as Hudson’s Hope prepares for the May long weekend and the start of the summer tourism season.
The W.A.C. Bennett Dam Visitor Centre is scheduled to open May 16. The Dinosaur Boat Launch, district campgrounds and parks, and the District of Hudson’s Hope Visitor Centre are also reopening for the season.
The district said upgrades to local campgrounds and parks this year were supported in part by a $50,000 grant from BC Hydro.
BC Hydro said the new recreation area is intended to provide long-term public access to the waterfront while supporting safety and environmental stewardship in the region.
“The new D.A. Thomas Recreation Site is about creating lasting access for the community to the outdoor recreation area today and well into the future,” said Matt Wilson, senior vice-president of safety at BC Hydro.
BC Hydro is also preparing to open additional public-access sites along the Site C reservoir. Boat launches at Halfway River and Lynx Creek, along with the small-craft launch at D.A. Thomas Recreation Area, are expected to open in early summer.
Visitors are being reminded to follow posted safety signage, wear life-jackets and stay clear of BC Hydro dams and infrastructure.
