The construction date of TransCanada’s Coastal GasLink Pipeline project, which would pass south of Burns Lake, remains uncertain.
Last July, LNG Canada’s joint venture participants – Shell, PetroChina, Mitsubishi Corporation and Kogas – decided to delay a final investment decision on their proposed liquefied natural gas export facility near Kitimat. The decision had been planned for the end of 2016.
Challenges of the global energy market were among the reasons for the delay.
“In the context of global industry challenges, including capital constraints, the LNG Canada joint venture participants have determined they need more time prior to taking a final investment decision,” said LNG Canada in a statement last July.
According to Matthew John, a spokesperson for Coastal GasLink, LNG Canada’s joint venture participants cannot confirm when this decision will be made.
“LNG Canada has assured us that their project is not being canceled and that it remains a promising opportunity,” said John. “Coastal GasLink remains committed to continue working with and supporting communities along the route and strengthening the relationships we’ve built.”
The Burns Lake Band, Wet’suwet’en First Nation, Skin Tyee First Nation and Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band have signed pipeline benefits agreements for the proposed project.
The pipeline proponent estimates that 2000 to 2500 jobs would be created during construction, and 16 to 35 permanent positions would be needed during operation.
Prior to the announcement of the final investment decision’s delay, Coastal GasLink expected that construction of its natural gas pipeline would begin in 2017. The pipeline proponent received its environmental assessment certificate in October 2014 and has all the major permits it needs to start construction.
Coastal GasLink proposes the construction of a natural gas pipeline from the Dawson Creek area to a facility near Kitimat.
