BC Government Accelerates Approval of Fortis BC's $2-Billion LNG Expansion

The British Columbia government has exempted Fortis BC from obtaining a permit to expand its liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in Metro Vancouver, allowing the $2-billion investment to move forward.

Energy Minister Adrian Dix says the government has issued an order-in-council that will skip the normal process of requiring Fortis BC to show that the proposed expansion protects the public interest. Normally, developers need to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the B.C. Utilities Commission before starting or expanding a public utility plant or system.

The expansion is expected to create 1,100 jobs during construction and generate $260 million in tax revenues. The Tilbury LNG facility has been in operation since 1971 as a natural gas storage facility but now produces LNG for vessels and is working with the Vancouver Port authority to develop a marine refuelling service.

Minister Dix says that LNG is significantly cleaner than conventional marine fuels such as diesel, and the expansion will play a role in decarbonizing domestic and global shipping. The project will remain subject to all other applicable regulatory approvals and permitting requirements before construction starts by mid-2027 with operation starting as early as 2031.