B.C. Approves $2.2 Billion LNG Expansion at Tilbury Facility

The British Columbia government has approved a $2.2 billion expansion of FortisBC's Tilbury Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility in Delta, aiming to establish the Port of Vancouver as an international hub for cleaner alternative marine fuels.

The project will generate over $800 million in gross domestic product (GDP) and create 1,100 high-skilled jobs annually during its four-year construction phase. Once operational, it's expected to yield $260 million in tax revenues and produce between $15 million and $20 million annually in natural gas royalties for the province.

The expansion will deliver substantial environmental benefits by cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25%, reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by 76%, and lowering sulfur oxides and fine particulate matter by 90% through the use of cleaner-burning LNG. The facility's production is expected to start in 2031, with construction beginning as early as mid-2027.

The project involves an equity ownership partnership between FortisBC and the Musqueam Indian Band, marking a significant step towards economic reconciliation. According to Minister Adrian Dix, 'The expansion of the Tilbury LNG Facility is an investment in B.C.'s future, creating jobs, growing our economy and helping reduce emissions through an investment of more than $2 billion.'