Dear Editor,
The letter, “Benefits of Woodfibre LNG overblown” (NDR No. 21, Nov. 24),contains misinformation that needs to be corrected.
The fact is that Woodfibre LNG will bring responsible economic growth to Squamish and B.C. Woodfibre LNG Limited is planning to build a 2.1 mmtpa liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing and export facility at the former Woodfibre pulp mill site, about seven kilometres from downtown Squamish, BC.
In May 2014, after listening to community concerns over air quality, Woodfibre LNG made the decision to power its facility with electricity from BC Hydro, instead of natural gas. This decision means that greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by more than 80 per cent and makes Woodfibre LNG one of cleanest LNG facilities in the world.
The Province of British Columbia’s decision in November 2016 to offer the industrial rate to LNG projects that use electricity from B.C. Hydro to power their facilities (“eDrive”) means Woodfibre LNG will pay the same fair rate as any mine, pulp mill or factory in B.C.
This competitive rate for BC Hydro electricity, which is more than 90 per cent renewable, also resulted in the board of directors of Woodfibre LNG’s parent company approving the funds necessary for the project to move forward.
Woodfibre LNG will bring an estimated 650+ jobs at the peak of construction; 100+ full-time jobs at the Woodfibre site, administration-type jobs in Squamish and Vancouver; and an additional 330+ local jobs (indirect and induced) during the plant’s operation.
These are good-paying, family-supporting jobs that are particularly important in Squamish, which had the second highest jump in housing price assessments in B.C. in 2016, and where good-paying full-time jobs are in short supply.
To learn more facts about Woodfibre LNG, please visit us online at woodfibrelng.ca.
Warm regards,
Jennifer Siddon
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
Woodfibre LNG Limited
