Same is true for wind, solar, or wave though. Yet people everywhere fantasize about having those toys in their backyards even where totally inappropriate. Look:
The weather and landscape seen in that photo is typical of the region: light to non-existent winds, often overcast, forested unpopulated mountains with streams and rivers gushing down every cranny, and lakes, thousands of them.
We haven't built a major hydro project in ages, because that entails destruction of precious stream habitat. We've already given up on dams because the public won't allow drowning of innocent trees to make a reservoir. We're barely meeting growing demand. We've begun to use gas thermal generation, and quietly trade not sell power with our oil-burning neighbors. We're becoming an energy importer. Now, BC Hydro is trying to compromise by pushing micro hydro (run of the river) as clean alternative to big efficient dams.
But no. Hydro in any form is unacceptable. In the photo, they're protesting
small scale hydro projects specifically, and urging (read the comments) for a future where every British Colombian has solar panels and windmills jutting off the roof. The general public supports this vision. Plant-in-the-ground solar yard lamps are very popular. They don't actually work very well here, but showing them in the front lawn lets everybody know you're dedicated to a certain vision.
I'm afraid this stupid fixation on toy energy hamstrings appropriate investment.
Toys. Yes really. Some parts of the world, toy energy is the only clean option besides nuclear. It's the best they can do. Some other regions can do far better, and should not lose sight of the fact.