W.A.C. Bennett Dam
| Language of origin | English language |
| Feature Type: | Dam - A barrier constructed to hold back water, to raise and control its level and/or to form a reservoir. |
| Status: | Official |
| Other Names: | Portage Mountain Dam |
| Name Authority: | BC Geographical Names Office |
| Relative Location: | On the E end of Peach Reach (the eastern arm of Williston Lake), W of Fort St. John, Peace River Land District |
| Latitude-Longitude: | 56°01'03"N, 122°12'14"W at the approximate centre of this feature. |
| Datum: | WGS84 |
| NTS Map: | 94B/1 |
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Origin Notes and History:
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Adopted 13 March 1969 on 94B. Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office |
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Originally known as "Portage Mountain Dam" during planning & construction phase in the 1960s. Re-named the W.A.C. Bennett Dam when it became operational in 1968 (exact date not cited), after then-premier William ("Bill") Bennett. At 660 ft, this is one of world's largest earth filled dams. Source: BC place name cards, correspondence and/or research by BC Chief Geographer & Geographical Names Office staff. |