Blueberry River First Nations speaks as fast-tracked NEBC project gains provincial green light

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A northeast B.C. First Nation will “continue to support balanced industrial development” as the recently fast-tracked NEBC Connector Project receives provincial approval.

In a news release issued to Energeticcity.ca on February 26th, Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) councillors said they were “pleased” to have worked alongside gas company NorthRiver Midstream toward provincial approval of the NEBC Connector Project on January 17th.

The project, which is one of 18 across B.C. to be part of a fast-tracking initiative, is a 216-kilometre pipeline connecting the Wonowon area to Gordondale in Alberta.

Amid the threat of tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump, the provincial government announced the projects – which also include the Stewart Creek and Taylor Wind Farms within Treaty 8 territory – would be fast-tracked, forgoing environmental assessments. 

Two parallel pipelines — one for natural gas condensate and the other for liquid natural gas — will disturb around 200 hectares of Crown Lands as part of the new construction.

Signed by councillors Troy Wolf, Wayne Yahey, Shelley Gauthier and Sherry Dominic, the BRFN statement says talks on permits and new land disturbance with NorthRiver Midstream began in late 2024.

The statement reads the parties’ “collaborative engagement” ensured BRFN’s Implementation Agreement protections, from a deal signed in 2023 with respect to treaty rights, were respected.

“Blueberry’s Council continues to support balanced industrial development in northeast B.C. that respects our treaty rights while contributing to economic growth,” reads the conclusion of the statement.

BRFN councillors were contacted by Energeticcity.ca and this story will be updated if more information becomes available.