An important milestone
The breakthrough happened in a matter of moments, but reaching it took years of planning, engagement and technical expertise. The newly connected tunnel stretches approximately nine kilometres beneath Monmouth Mountain and the Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary, creating a continuous corridor that will support the transportation of natural gas between Squamish and the Woodfibre LNG site.
This milestone is more than an engineering achievement. It reflects the relationships, trust and shared purpose that helped shape the tunnelling solution.
“Regular two-way dialogue with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) has been, and continues to be, essential,” says Darrin Marshall, EGP Project director. “As we worked through the complexities of planning and constructing a tunnel of this scale, those relationships have helped us have the conversations needed to navigate challenges and move the project forward. This breakthrough is the result of years of collaboration, commitment and hard work.”
An innovative solution to protect the estuary
Building infrastructure through a sensitive ecosystem required careful planning and respectful collaboration with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw. The Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary is a 673-hectare Wildlife Management Area that provides habitat for sensitive plants, fish and wildlife. It also holds deep significance for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw.
In its role as a regulator and interest holder, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw helped shape a key project decision: tunnelling beneath the estuary. The trenchless tunnel solution was developed to avoid surface disturbance within the estuary while supporting the expansion of the existing gas system between Squamish and Coquitlam.
“Our approach reflects our commitment to Reconciliation and meaningful community engagement,” says Cassandra Barrow, Indigenous relations manager for EGP. “After years of working alongside Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, seeing this breakthrough is especially rewarding because it represents what we can achieve together through shared understanding and mutual respect.”
Engineering expertise and respectful collaboration
Creating the tunnel required two custom-designed tunnel boring machines. Each one is engineered specifically to pass through two dramatically different geological environments: soft ground beneath the Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary and hard rock beneath Monmouth Mountain. The breakthrough marks the successful completion of one of the most complex parts of the EGP Project.
"This tunnel breakthrough is a proud moment for us," says Ignacio Calvo González, EGP tunnel senior project manager. "After years of planning, seeing the two tunnel sections connect is incredibly rewarding. It represents the culmination of a tremendous amount of teamwork, technical expertise and attention to detail."
Project next steps
With excavation complete, crews will remove the tunnel boring machine and prepare the tunnel for pipeline installation. Our work continues with ongoing focus on safety, community engagement and meeting project commitments.
“With tunnel excavation complete, we’re now turning our attention to the next phase of construction,” says Darrin. “This milestone reflects years of preparation and collaboration, and we’re looking forward to continuing the Project with the same engaged and respectful collaboration into the work ahead.”
For more information about the Eagle Mountain – Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project, visit our project page.
