BC Exempts Fortis BC from LNG Expansion Permit

The British Columbia government has given Fortis BC a regulatory exemption to expand its liquefied natural gas plant in Metro Vancouver, allowing the $2-billion investment to move forward.

The exemption will save time and enable the project to proceed with minimal delay, according to Energy Minister Adrian Dix. The expansion of the Tilbury LNG facility is expected to create 1,100 jobs during construction and generate $260 million in tax revenues.

Dix emphasized that liquefied natural gas is significantly cleaner than conventional marine fuels like diesel, and the expansion will contribute to decarbonizing domestic and global shipping. The project will remain subject to other regulatory approvals and permitting requirements before construction starts by mid-2027 with operation beginning as early as 2031.

Roger Dall'Antonia, president of FortisBC, thanked the province for their leadership in approving the regulatory amendments, stating that the LNG facility already supplies two local customers and the expansion will position Vancouver as a leading LNG marine fuelling hub on North America's West Coast.