Project to power LNG facility begins consultation with First Nation

SQUAMISH, B.C. — BC Hydro is in consultation with Squamish Nation over building a hydroelectric power line from Woodfibre LNG.

Consultation over the construction of an overhead BC Hydro powerline is underway, involving Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, or Squamish Nation.

The hydroelectric powerline will provide required additional power to Woodfibre LNG, the under-construction natural gas export facility on the Nation’s former village site, Swiy̓át.

Since the Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC projects were proposed around a decade ago, the Nation voiced the need for cultural values and community engagement, which resulted in the Squamish Nation Environmental Assessment Agreements (SNEAAs), giving the Nation the same regulatory roles as provincial and federal governments.

According to a joint press release from BC Hydro and Woodfibre LNG, both Woodfibre LNG and BC Hydro are “committed to open and transparent communication throughout planning and construction.”

“This includes meaningful consultation with First Nations and engagement with local government, the public and anyone affected by construction for feedback,” the release reads.

According to an update from the Nation’s website on January 14th, the Nation is now undertaking a full review of BC Hydro’s proposal for the new powerline.

The addition of the line will result in the facility being fully powered with clean and renewable electricity, “setting a new standard for responsibly-produced liquified natural gas (LNG).”

The 138-kilovolt power line, extending 19 kilometres, will be constructed to “minimize environmental impacts,” by limiting greenhouse gas emission, the release continues.

“By using clean electricity instead of natural gas for the liquefaction process, Woodfibre LNG will be able to produce LNG with nine times less greenhouse gas emissions than a conventional export facility.”

Furthermore, the release notes although construction will take place near residents’ homes, as well as Fisherman’s Park, the companies will work to mitigate inconveniences as much as possible.

The new powerline project, known as the Woodfibre LNG Interconnection Project Stage 2, will run along an existing BC Hydro ‘right of way’ through Brackendale, from Cheekeye Substation to the Woodfibre LNG site.

The first stage of the project, currently underway, involves meeting Woodfibre LNG’s initial power requirements by connecting the facility to an existing power line.

Stage 2 of the project is in the early consultation and engagement stage, with construction expected to begin in spring 2028.

In accordance with the SNEAAs, the Nation is included within stage 2; their review of the proposal will continue in the lead up to BC Hydro’s open house information session in March.

BC Hydro’s open house information session on March 31st will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Executive Suites Hotel and Resort.

For more information, see the project’s website.