Eagle Mountain - Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project
Delivering safe and reliable energy to our customers is a top priority for FortisBC. For this reason, for the last decade, we’ve worked with local Indigenous communities, stakeholders, government and residents to responsibly expand our existing natural gas system in Squamish and Coquitlam to supply natural gas to our customer, Woodfibre LNG.
Project overview
Through this project, we’ll install 50 kilometres of new natural gas pipeline between Squamish and Coquitlam, as well as supporting compressor station infrastructure. To minimize environmental footprint, most of this new line will run alongside our existing natural gas line.
Nine kilometres of new gas pipeline will be housed within a tunnel that runs beneath the Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary.
We started early construction in the Squamish area in August 2023 and in Coquitlam in early 2024. For the latest construction updates, visit our updates tab.
The route
Third-party reporting line
The Respectful Community Conduct Line is a third-party reporting line for any member of the public to call or email about alleged conduct by an EGP Project worker occurring within the Indian River Watershed area and a 10-kilometre area around the District of Squamish in violation of the After Hours and Respect for Community section of the EGP Project Worker Code of Conduct, including harassment or violence.
Construction in Squamish and Coquitlam
We believe in working with local communities as we build this project and have taken steps in both Squamish and Coquitlam to do reduce impacts from our work.
The following maps provide an overview of active construction.
Squamish
In Squamish, construction activities to be aware of at this time include ongoing road maintenance and trucks travelling along the Mamquam and Stawamus Indian River Forest Service Roads. For safety, there is also a full closure of Ray Basin Road unless otherwise posted, as well as on the Stawamus Indian River Forest Service Road beginning at approximately kilometre point 6.
Coquitlam
In Coquitlam, we’ve installed fencing along roughly 1.5 kilometres of our right of way adjacent to nearby trails in Coquitlam’s Eagle Mountain area. Recreational users should be aware of parking and intermittent trail closures with posted signage in the Eagle Mountain area, along with increased noise levels as we prepare our Eagle Mountain Compressor Station for upgrades.
Rigorous environmental reviews and research
Our regulators Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and the Province of British Columbia approved this project in 2016. Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw completed their own independent environmental assessment on the project – the first of its kind in Canada.
Temporary workforce lodge
When we first began this project in 2013, we had originally planned for a hybrid accommodation model, leveraging local hotels and rental units, and a smaller workforce lodge. We heard from local governments, Indigenous communities and residents that they were concerned about the pressure on local housing, strain on community services and impacts on traffic. Following that consultation, we learned that the preference was to house all workers at a single site.
A footprint increase for our Temporary Workforce Lodge, from two to seven hectares, was approved by the Environmental Assessment Office and Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw in fall 2023. It will house an average of 300 workers at a time, and peak to about 600 workers during the summer of 2025. The final step prior to lodge construction will be to secure necessary permits, including a Temporary Use Permit, and building and development permits from the District of Squamish.
Compressor stations
Compressor stations perform the essential tasks of compressing the natural gas and regulating its pressure so it can flow through the system to our customers’ homes and businesses. We're installing a new compressor station at the Woodfibre LNG site and upgrading the existing compressor station in Coquitlam.
Project timeline
Future dates are anticipated and subject to change.
Project approvals
The Environmental Assessment Office and Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) approve the project.
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Construction begins
Site preparation for Squamish components began in August 2023, and for Coquitlam components began in January 2024.
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Tunnel boring in Squamish begins
Coquitlam pipeline construction begins
Squamish pipeline construction in the Indian River Watershed begins
Coquitlam Eagle Mountain Compressor Station expansion begins
Squamish Compressor Station construction at Woodfibre LNG site begins
Coquitlam electric substation and powerline construction begins
Project completion
September 27, 2024
Pre-construction activities at Highway 99 and Industrial Way intersection
September 26, 2024
Statement on Temporary Workforce Lodge and Temporary Laydown Yard Council Decisions
September 10, 2024
Tree clearing activities in Coquitlam’s Eagle Mountain area
August 26, 2024
Dust suppressant application on Squamish forest service road
August 12, 2024
Pre-construction activities along Finch Drive and Industrial Way
July 24, 2024
Rock drilling and hammering activities in Coquitlam’s Eagle Mountain area
June 6, 2024
New and ongoing initiatives to reduce workforce impacts in Squamish
May 30, 2024
Construction updates for Coquitlam and Squamish recreational area users
May 7, 2024
Stawamus Indian River Forest Service Road closures and gas pipeline component update
May 1, 2024
Logging trucks in Squamish
April 24, 2024
Tunnelling set to begin in Squamish
March 26, 2024
BC Energy Regulator issues discharge authorization for treated water
February 7, 2024
Stawamus Indian River Forest Service Road closures
January 30, 2024
Traffic impacts along Mamquam River Forest Service Road
January 29, 2024
Early construction activities ramp up in Coquitlam on Eagle Mountain - Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project
January 10, 2024
Preparation activities for Coquitlam construction
January 4, 2024
24-hour work at BC Rail and Woodfibre sites
December 13, 2023
Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Úxwumixw and EAO approve increased Workforce Lodge area
November 10, 2023
Traffic impacts along Mamquam River Forest Service Road
October 17, 2023
Gas pipe delivery
October 13, 2023
Traffic impacts along Stawamus-Indian River Forest Service Road
October 12, 2023
Upcoming construction at the BC Rail property
August 28, 2023
Construction has started
August 22, 2023
Update on pipeline component of the project
July 28, 2023
Construction starting soon
March 2, 2023
Join us for an upcoming public information meeting
November 29, 2022
Open house cancelled due to inclement weather
August 5, 2022
Statement regarding Enbridge’s investment in Woodfibre LNG
July 26, 2022
Eagle Mountain – Woodfibre Gas Pipeline project quantitative risk assessment
June 9, 2022
Our crews are in the field
April 25, 2022
Proposal for two pipes in the Squamish tunnel
April 5, 2022
EGP project changes approved
March 22, 2022
Proposed size increase for workforce lodging site
March 22, 2022
Join us for upcoming information sessions
March 9, 2022
Upcoming pre-construction activities in Squamish
February 25, 2022
Update on tunnel component of the project
November 29, 2021
EAO decision on EGP project changes
October 8, 2021
Weather extends schedule for geotechnical investigations
September 23, 2021
Proposed relocation of existing gas line northeast of Valleycliffe
August 23, 2021
Upcoming geotechnical investigations near Squamish and in the Indian River Valley
August 6, 2021
Extension of Environmental Assessment Certificate approved
May 20, 2021
Environmental surveys in Squamish and Coquitlam
February 1, 2021
Weather extends schedule for geotechnical investigations
December 9, 2020
Recordings from fall Squamish and Coquitlam information sessions
December 4, 2020
Upcoming field work at BC Rail property in Squamish
November 19, 2020
Coquitlam virtual information sessions
November 3, 2020
FortisBC applies for an Environmental Assessment Certificate extension
October 29, 2020
Squamish virtual information sessions
October 28, 2020
Environmental Assessment Certificate amendments filed
September 15, 2020
Upcoming geotechnical work on forest service roads in Stawamus Valley and Indian River Valley
August 18, 2020
Recording of August 13th virtual information session
July 29, 2020
Virtual information sessions
February 20, 2020
Upcoming proposed changes to require amendments to Environmental Assessment Certificate
November 1, 2019
Upcoming geotechnical work in Coquitlam
October 29, 2019
Upcoming geotechnical work within District of Squamish
October 3, 2019
Upcoming community engagement
August 16, 2019
Geotechnical work begins on forest service roads in Indian River Valley
June 27, 2019
Upcoming geotechnical work on forest service roads in Indian River Valley
May 28, 2019
Upcoming geotechnical work on private properties
February 22, 2019
Squamish Nation approves economic benefit agreement
June 11, 2018
Join us for free mini golf and BBQ lunch
October 20, 2017
Squamish Community Office – Update
June 14, 2017
Squamish Community office reopens
January 24, 2017
FortisBC explains why trees were removed for safety during geotechnical investigations
November 6, 2016
FortisBC completes geotechnical work on the Squamish dike
November 4, 2016
Woodfibre LNG authorized to continue with proposed LNG export facility
November 3, 2016
Our response to incident at Squamish Community Office
August 9, 2016
Provincial government issues Environmental Assessment Certificate
June 24, 2016
Squamish Nation Chiefs and Council voted to approve an Environmental Assessment Agreement
October 7, 2015
Open house in Squamish
September 24, 2015
Public comment period on FortisBC addenda on final report to Environmental Assessment Office
June 26, 2015
Squamish Nation Council outlines a series of environmental conditions
April 21, 2015
Open house District of Squamish
February 12, 2015
Open house in Coquitlam
June 11, 2014
Open house in Gibsons
November 21, 2013
Open house in Coquitlam
November 16, 2013
Open house in Squamish
Why do you need to work 24-hours a day, and what kind of impacts should Squamish residents expect?
Answered on:
Jan 4, 2024
Why is the tunnel component of the project necessary?
Answered on:
Jan 4, 2024
FortisBC has applied for two Temporary Use Permit (TUP) applications from the District of Squamish. What are they for?
Answered on:
Feb 16, 2023
What is the size of the proposed Temporary Workforce Lodge and what services would be provided there?
Answered on:
Feb 16, 2023
What is FortisBC doing to address community safety and cultural respect in relation to the Workforce Lodge?
Answered on:
Feb 16, 2023
What is a temporary construction laydown yard and why do you need one?
Answered on:
Feb 16, 2023
Why have you applied for a permit to build a temporary construction laydown yard at the intersection of Mamquam River Forest Service Road and Powerhouse Springs Road?
Answered on:
Feb 16, 2023
How do you plan to limit noise and visual impacts at the temporary construction laydown yard?
Answered on:
Feb 16, 2023
What is FortisBC’s plan to manage traffic around the temporary construction laydown yard?
Answered on:
Feb 16, 2023
How many construction workers will be on the EGP Project?
Answered on:
Feb 16, 2023
Pagination
Our commitment to local communities
The safety and environmental wellbeing of local communities is extremely important to us, and it’s a value we know we share with local residents. That’s why we’ll continue to work with residents and community members to understand and mitigate any concerns. Members of the FortisBC team will regularly be in local communities, communicating the project and listening to concerns and feedback.
We also value the importance of keeping the community informed. To ensure you’re staying up-to-date, subscribe to our email newsletter.
Indigenous feedback helps to improve our Eagle Mountain - Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project
We value working directly with local First Nations to listen to their concerns and understand their perspective. We’re engaging with the following First Nations to discuss the expansion project details and listen to their questions and concerns:
The New Energy
Some of our work with Squamish Nation has been highlighted in a video series hosted by Squamish, Haida and Cree actor, Simon Baker, called The New Energy. Check out the first episode of the series, exploring how Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw became a regulator for overseeing work in their Traditional Territory, leading to the ground-breaking Squamish Nation Environmental Assessment Agreement.
One of our top priorities is to engage local communities so that they understand the work we're doing
Benefits to local communities
FortisBC is supporting a variety of local, non-governmental associations and organizations – including groups that support vulnerable populations. FortisBC is also supporting various Indigenous businesses and cultural initiatives through the agreements we have in place with local Indigenous communities. These agreements will provide direct economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses to participate in the project and provide jobs and training to many members of local Indigenous communities.
This project will provide a wide variety of employment opportunities for the local workforce, from construction to supporting services. For example, we will be working with our contractors to promote the use of Squamish businesses to supply small tools, materials and general support services. This project will generate significant revenue for the District of Squamish through various forms of taxes and fees.
Tri-Cities Chamber and SHARE Society food drive
We joined and supported the Tri-Cities Chamber for their 2021 Christmas Luncheon, which featured a food drive for the SHARE Family & Community Services Society. In total, the drive collected over 600 pounds of food for families in need. We were thrilled to partner with the Chamber on this initiative, and will continue looking for similar opportunities to give back to the communities where we live and work.
Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival
Our team took part in the 67th annual Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival over the August long weekend for four days of family-friendly fun. This event is a wonderful example of Squamish’s vibrant community spirit and we look forward to attending every year. This year, (2024) we co-sponsored the Kid’s Festival. We loved watching kids of all ages have fun taking part in the activities and enjoyed chatting with community members about the EGP Project. Read more about our time at the festival. Congratulations to all the competitors and see you at the festival next year!
Questions from the community during 2020
We know you have questions, and our team is here to provide answers. In 2020, we held several virtual information sessions in Squamish and Coquitlam to ensure interactive opportunities for the public to ask questions and learn more about the project.
Our team compiled 30 questions from our August update to the Squamish community. We also compiled over 50 questions from all six sessions.
We’ll continue to keep the public informed as the project progresses.
Community grants support local initiatives
At FortisBC, we serve more than 135 communities across the province. Giving back to the communities where our over 2,400 employees live and work is an important part of our efforts to create a sustainable future for British Columbians.
We’ve been a part of the Squamish community for over 30 years. And we take our role as a good corporate citizen very seriously. The local recipients of our community investment grants include a wide-range of organizations that are working hard to make Squamish and the Sea-to-Sky region a better place to live.
Regulatory process
Environmental Assessment Office
In 2016 the project received approval from the provincial Environmental Assessment Office and Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). In 2021 the project’s approval was extended for a further five years.
- Environmental Assessment Office Certificate
- Schedule A: Environmental Assessment Certificate Certified Project Description
- Schedule B: Environmental Assessment Certificate Table of Conditions
- Environmental Assessment Office Certificate Amendment 1
- Environmental Assessment Office Certificate Amendment 2
- Environmental Assessment Office Certificate Amendment 3
You can view all finalized environmental and condition management plans and compliance reports at the Environmental Assessment Office’s project portal.
BC Energy Regulator
We’ve received a Waste Discharge Authorization from the BC Energy Regulator to discharge treated water generated from tunnel construction activities at the BC Rail and Woodfibre LNG sites in Squamish. All water generated through construction activities will be treated, prior to discharge, in accordance with the Environmental Management Act and to meet BC Water Quality Guidelines.
Details on the project and water management can be found in our application documents here.
As part of a temporary Waste Discharge Authorization, we publish weekly reports of our water quality testing results. Our reports include monitoring and sampling activities to ensure water quality in the receiving environment meets these guidelines.
Transport Canada
We're planning to build a temporary bridge across the Indian River in the Indian River Watershed to support pipeline construction activities. Our public notice with details can be viewed here. We anticipate construction to begin in May 2024 and to conclude in the fall.
We’re moving ahead with a pipeline crossing of the Indian River in the Indian River Watershed. Our public notice from the Transport Canada process can be viewed here. We anticipate this work to take about two months, beginning in July 2024.
We’re committed to completing these activities in an environmentally responsible manner and have been closely engaging Indigenous groups on this work.
Metro Vancouver Regional District
Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) has authorized the contained burning of non-merchantable timber and woody debris from clearing activities on the project at four designated sites near Hixon Peak, roughly 30 kilometres southeast of Squamish.
We’ll be using an air curtain burner, designed to aid in combustion and reduce emissions, to ensure the debris is burned in a safe and controlled manner, and to eliminate any fire risk associated with this material.
We carried out initial burning activities between mid-April and early June 2024. This work will pick up again in early October, 2024, and we anticipate it continuing through to early 2025.
As part of MVRD’s authorization, these activities will continue to comply with BC’s Environmental Management Act and the Greater Vancouver Regional District Air Quality Management bylaws. We’ve also been working closely with local Indigenous communities who have approved these plans.
Additional resources
We've been engaging on the Eagle Mountain - Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project since 2013. Materials related to these discussions are available below.
Temporary Use Permit applications
- District of Squamish Temporary Use Permit Applications for proposed Workforce Lodge and laydown yard
Note: The above link will take you to the District of Squamish - Development Review map. To view the Temporary Use Permit applications and related files, click on the red sections of the map.