Freedom of Information documents recently received by The Squamish Chief show the importance of the Woodfibre LNG plant’s success to the provincial government.
The province contemplated “tools” to intervene in local government affairs related to the project after Jan. 20, 2015, when the District of Squamish council turned down FortisBC’s development permit for test drilling in the Squamish Estuary, according to briefing notes from the Ministry of Natural Gas Development.
In advance of a meeting on Feb. 10, 2015 with MLA Jordan Sturdy, Mayor Patricia Heintzman and other district representatives, Minister Rich Coleman’s briefing notes outline two intervention tools available to the province:
“The Significant Projects Streamlining Act, which is under the responsibility of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure,” and a section of the Local Government Act that gives the minister of community sport and cultural development “the authority to override a local government zoning bylaw… in situations where a bylaw that has been enacted by a local government is ‘contrary to the public interest.’”
The same interventions were cited in notes prior to Coleman’s March 6, 2015 meeting with top FortisBC officials.
Those notes go on to say the minister of community sport and cultural development is “observing the decision by council carefully and are in dialogue with other ministries and local government administrations.”
FortisBC told the Environmental Assessment Office “in confidence,” according to the March 6 notes, that it was “exploring alternative crossing method,” though how that is defined is not clarified.
The notes also state FortisBC had notified the province that Squamish council was considering amending its Official Community Plan (OCP) to put a stop to any future commercial activity in the estuary.
This would hinder FortisBC plans for not only the Eagle Mountain-Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project, but also the company’s ability to expand their services on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, the notes state.
The province cannot intervene in official community plan bylaws.
At the time, council was looking at closing the language in the plan to protect the Squamish Estuary.
FortisBC filed a petition in B.C. Supreme Court asking for a review of council’s development permit decision on March 10, 2015.
Eventually, FortisBC brought forward a new development permit that was less invasive in the Squamish Estuary. Council passed this in May 2015.
FortisBC then dropped its Supreme Court petition.
Heintzman told The Squamish Chief on Friday she wasn’t previously aware the province had been considering intervening in her government’s affairs.
“It is not surprising,” she said. “That is how they dealt with the Ashlu (independent power project) when the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District refused to rezone,” she said. “We are a branch of the provincial government. If they don’t like what we do they can change the legislation and do stuff. We knew it was a possibility, but it was never communicated to us that they were actually contemplating it.”
The Ministry of Natural Gas Development would not go on record for this story, but said the intervention methods were listed for the Minister’s awareness only and pointed out the province ultimately didn’t follow through with either of the methods.
The notes also makes mention that Shaw Pipe, a pipe-coating company, was looking at setting up in Squamish’s old BC Rail yards, which the notes say could bring 150 jobs to the district.
“Shaw is potentially a supplier to the Fortis Eagle-Mountain project as well as to other LNG projects,” the notes state. “A negative outcome for Fortis could potentially have a negative outcome for this pipe-coating company.”
Heintzman said since she has been in office she met with Shaw Pipe representatives once early on but hasn’t heard anything since. Her understanding was this was a smaller operation and not related to the Eagle Mountain to Woodfibre LNG pipeline project.
Heintzman said she assumed the plan for the facility had since fallen though, but she added the company would need only routine permits that would not have to be brought before council.
In the briefing notes for Premier Christy Clark prior to a meeting with FortisBC officials on Oct. 29, 2015, there is mention of Squamish’s divided views on the Woodfibre LNG project. They also outline Fortis’ sponsorships.
“FortisBC had a large presence at this year’s LNG in BC Conference. They were platinum sponsors, and provided funding travel (sic) for students to attend the GameChanger Youth Expo,” say the notes prepared by assistant deputy minister Brian Hansen.
*This story has been updated to include the ministry's feedback and that FortisBC declined to comment.
**Please see FOI document embedded above.
