Eagle Mountain - Woodfibre Gas Pipeline project
As a utility, meeting the energy needs of our customers is what FortisBC does every day.
That’s why when our customer Woodfibre LNG asked us if we could deliver natural gas to them, we began to explore how and proposed the Eagle Mountain – Woodfibre Gas Pipeline (EGP) project. And we also started talking with the community right away.
Project overview
The proposed project will expand a portion of our existing natural gas transmission system, which was built in 1991 to serve Squamish, the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island.
It involves adding 50 kilometres of new gas pipeline between Coquitlam and Squamish. This includes 47 kilometres of new 24-inch gas pipeline from north of Coquitlam to the Woodfibre LNG site, and an additional three kilometres of pipe near Westwood Plateau in north Coquitlam. The majority of this line will run alongside our existing right of way to minimize environmental footprint.
Other key components include:
- Protecting Squamish Estuary by building a nine-kilometre tunnel to pass underneath
- New compressor station at Woodfibre LNG site and new equipment at Eagle Mountain Compressor Station
- Ongoing engagement with local communities since 2013
- Rigorous environmental reviews leading to BC Environmental Assessment Office and Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) approvals in 2016
The proposed route

Generally, the new gas pipeline will follow the existing gas pipeline route to limit new impacts to the environment along the route.
In some cases, following the existing route entirely will not be possible. Throughout project planning we've worked to minimize impacts and respond to feedback. Examples include:
- achieving the shortest possible route and the smallest overall footprint
- minimizing crossings of streams and rivers
- incorporating Indigenous, landowner and stakeholder input
- avoiding known archaeological or heritage sites
- avoiding sensitive terrain and environmental areas
We are continuing to engage with stakeholders, communities and Indigenous groups to minimize impacts, while also being safe and practical.
Compressor stations
Compressor stations are one of the most important components of the natural gas transportation system. They 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.
To provide service to Woodfibre LNG, we considered a number of factors, including feedback from the public, the District of Squamish and Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw during the environmental assessment processes. We’ll continue to listen and respond as we move forward.

Squamish
We have proposed to build a new compressor station in Squamish. The new Squamish Compressor Station will help keep the gas moving through our existing system as it makes its way to our customers on the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island.
Following extensive consultation and community feedback, we sought approval to relocate the Squamish compressor station to the Woodfibre LNG site from the previously proposed Mount Mulligan location. With this new site, the compressor station would be more than seven kilometres away from the nearest residences. The Woodfibre LNG property is already an industrial site. Constructing the compressor station at this location will result in less disturbance to the surroundings than at a previously undisturbed site like Mount Mulligan. We’ve also modified the design of the station to reduce the number of compressor units and overall horsepower.

Coquitlam
We would install two new electric powered compressor units at the existing Eagle Mountain compressor station in Coquitlam, reconfiguring the station to accommodate this expansion within the existing footprint. Manufacturers of these units have modified the products they offer since we received our Environmental Assessment Certificate in 2016, resulting in increased size and horsepower that eliminates the need for new excavation. The reconfiguration to allow the increased size of the units was approved by the Environmental Assessment Office and Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw through a harmonized review process, and minimizes the environmental and visual impacts of this work.
Rigorous environmental reviews and research
For more than eight years, we’ve been meeting with local residents, Indigenous groups, stakeholders, local government and the regulators to gather and incorporate feedback into various aspects of our environmental assessment.
On June 24, 2016, Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw Chiefs and Council voted to approve the project. On August 9, 2016, the provincial government issued an Environmental Assessment Certificate for the project.
Project changes approved
Since then, a number of project changes were proposed to reflect community feedback and technical advancements identified during detailed design. In fall 2021, the BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) approved these changes, followed by Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw’s approval in early 2022 as part of a harmonized review process with the EAO. These approvals amended both the Environmental Assessment Certificate and the Squamish Nation Environmental Assessment Agreement. Learn more about these changes and what we proposed.
Condition management plans
We also continue to develop and refine the condition management plans that were included as part of the certificate. We anticipate completing these plans in 2022 and continue to address all other certificate conditions as the project progresses.
We will continue engaging with Indigenous groups, local stakeholders and the community as the project moves forward.
Protecting the Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area
The 673-hectare Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area (WMA) plays an important ecological role and serves as habitat for wildlife. Our existing system has been operating underneath the WMA since 1991 safely and without incident.
To access the Woodfibre LNG site, a segment of the proposed expanded gas pipeline section needs to be installed underneath the WMA. We are committed to operating responsibly and mitigating potential environmental impacts.
In response to public and local Indigenous community input, FortisBC has proposed the following approach to installing the gas pipeline under the estuary:
- An underground tunnel would be built about 25 metres below the estuary waterbed. The new sections of gas pipeline will be installed within the tunnel.
- Tunnel construction would continue through the Monmouth Ridge Mountain and exit at the Woodfibre LNG site.

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
November 30, 2018
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
Featured Q&A
How will you protect environmentally sensitive areas during construction?
Answered on:
Jun 15, 2021
Featured Q&A
How will FortisBC ensure the gas pipeline is safe?
Answered on:
Mar 15, 2021
As a contractor and/or vendor, how can I express interest in working on the Eagle Mountain – Woodfibre Gas Pipeline project?
Answered on:
Aug 6, 2021
When will the project be constructed?
Answered on:
Jul 5, 2021
Where will the Squamish Compressor Station be located?
Answered on:
Jun 15, 2021
Where can I get more information about the project?
Answered on:
Jun 15, 2021
Why are you building this project?
Answered on:
Jun 11, 2021
How will FortisBC ensure the compressor stations are safe?
Answered on:
Dec 2, 2020
What noise impacts will accompany the Eagle Mountain Compressor Station expansion in Coquitlam?
Answered on:
Dec 2, 2020
Why is this proposed gas line larger at 24 inches in diameter than the existing line that runs through Squamish and over to Vancouver Island?
Answered on:
Nov 17, 2020
Pagination
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:
One of our top priorities is to engage local communities so that they understand the work we're doing
Keeping the community informed
We value the importance of keeping the community informed about the project. One of the ways we do this is by meeting with community groups and stakeholders to provide project updates. A recent example of this is our presentation to the Rotary Club of Squamish in June 2021.
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 joined the Squamish community at the Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival, which was back in action in September 2021. We were able to connect with hundreds of attendees and enjoyed sharing information and answering questions about FortisBC and the EGP project. Congratulations to all the competitors, and we can’t wait to see the community at this event in future years.
A conversation with Bryan Couture
The Squamish Day Loggers Sports Festival celebrates the connection between Squamish and local industry. We spoke with Bryan Couture in 2016, then-president of the Squamish Days Loggers Sports Association, about the importance of the event to the community and how industry growth can benefit Squamish.
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.

FortisBC hosts another fun family event in Squamish community
In June 2018, we sponsored a free mini-golf and barbecue event at the Whistle Punk Hollow Adventure RV Park for the community of Squamish. More than 100 people visited our booth and learned more about our natural gas services and our project in the area.

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.
We’ve been engaging on the Eagle Mountain - Woodfibre Gas Pipeline project since 2013. 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. Materials related to these discussions are available below.