FortisBC proposes to build a 24-inch high pressure pipeline through Squamish neighbourhoods, with a 9-kilometer tunnel underneath Squamish Estuary and through a mountain to supply Woodfibre LNG with fracked gas.
FortisBC has also proposed a 7 hectare workcamp – equivalent to 17 football fields! – for 650 workers near Quest University. This will have significant impacts for Squamish residents and other communities around Howe Sound.
A compressor station to move the gas along the pipeline will be located at the Woodfibre site.
Join more than 22,000 people that have signed a petition calling to stop Woodfibre LNG and the FortisBC pipeline.
"Camp culture breeds a hypermasculinity that is fuelled by isolation, drug and alcohol abuse, violence, misogyny, and racism." -Justice for Girls
FortisBC has applied to the District of Squamish for Temporary Use Permits to build a construction laydown yard and a 7-hectare workcamp near Quest University, both of which would be accessed via the Mamquam Forest Service Road.
Studies during construction of similar industrial projects with large numbers of temporary construction workers have shown:
increased demands on hospitals, counseling, police, and ambulance services, which results in reduced service capacity for residents.
increased rate of violent crime, including sexual assault and sexualized violence, and increased domestic violence.
increased violence against Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQ+ people.
increased home prices, rental costs (e.g., bidding wars of $1500-2,000 for a bedroom were reported in Valemount near TMX’s workcamp), and housing availability
increased number of workplace accidents.
increased substance abuse and misuse.
increased traffic accidents and collisions.
Increased rates of prostitution and sex trafficking
increased risk of COVID-19 outbreaks and sexually transmitted diseases.
waste disposal issues.
Right now, we have a critical opportunity to stop this workcamp! The District of Squamish is highlycritical of both FortisBC proposals, and, with your support, can deny these permits. Please take a minute to send a letter to the District of Squamish mayor and council, asking them to reject the Temporary Use Permits for FortisBC’s workcamp and laydown yard.
FortisBC wants to drill under the Squamish Estuary, a Wildlife Management Area.
Estuaries are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world. A 2021 study found the Squamish Estuary provides $12.6 million every year in ecosystem goods and services, such as water filtration and flood mitigation.
FortisBC proposes to drill a 14 foot wide, 9-kilometre tunnel from the BC Rail Lands, underneath the Squamish Estuary and river. They will be usingbentonite slurry, a substance that can pollute soil and surface water, to tunnel bore. Bentonite slurry can be deadly for fish due to increasing suspended sediments and levels of toxic heavy metals that can bioaccumulate.
Tunnel boring could also result in permanent acid rock drainage and metal leaching, similar to the toxic pollution that poisoned the lands and waters around Britannia Beach for decades. If potential acid rock is encountered, FortisBC says it will be covered, then placed back inside the tunnel once pipes are installed and tunnel sealed. Acid rock drainage is what made Britannia Mine the largest single point source of metal contamination in North America.
FortisBC has applied for a Waste Discharge Authorization permit to release up to 1,600 cubic metres of effluent into Howe Sound every day during project construction. That’s as much as 233 Olympic swimming pools!
24-inch high pressure pipeline puts residents at risk
The pipeline is currently proposed to run past Ravens Plateau, along Finch Drive, and through the Industrial Park in Squamish. These areas have many new homes and businesses, and many homeowners are completely unaware that a 24-inch high pressure pipeline is proposed through their neighbourhood.
FortisBC has refused to release its risk analysis for the pipeline route, so we conducted a hazard assessment using ALOHA, which is a widely-used computer program designed to model fires and explosions for emergency responders and planners.
The resulting maps show how families and businesses along the pipeline route in Squamish and Coquitlam are at risk from pressure waves (as a result of an explosion) and radiative effects (from a resulting fire).
People that live or work along the pipeline route could suffer potentially lethal radiative effects (up to 330 metres), second degree burns (up to 460 metres), and pain (up to 715 metres). Pressure waves from a worst-case scenario accident could result in destruction of buildings (up to 360 metres), serious injury (up to 570 metres), and shatter glass (up to 1,275 metres).
Homes that are located near high-pressure gas pipelines often have decreased property value, and several families have already sold their homes because they didn't want to live in the high hazard zone for FortisBC's proposed pipeline.
There are safer alternative routes for this pipeline, so why is FortisBC recklessly putting people that live or work along the pipeline route at risk?
Secwepemcul'ecw Assembly (2019) What are man camps? Accessed 2019-04-20 "“Camp culture” has been reported to exacerbate isolation, mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse, violence, misogyny, and racism among the men living there. Away from family, friends, and social supports, these men face stressful, difficult, and potentially dangerous working conditions, including long hours, shift work, and ‘two-week in, two-week out’ work schedules. In this environment, and with heightened disposable incomes, increased substance abuse is well documented."
Take Action! Tell council to reject FortisBC's workcamp. Urgent action needed! Public hearing for FortisBC's workcamp … The public hearing for FortisBC's workcamp is scheduled for this Wednesday, September 25 at 6pm at Brennan Park Recreation Centre in Squamish.
Indigenous Land Defenders from across BC called to Cancel the Permits for Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC's fracked gas pipeline in Squamish. Photo: Rich Duncan … What a powerful day.
Wildfires, heat waves, and floods are devastating our communities, driving up costs for groceries, utilities, insurance and other everyday expenses. Can you march with the youth this Friday to make urgent climate action a top priority in the upcoming provincial election?
Rally this Saturday in Squamish! Help us build power to stop Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC for good. This is a critical moment. Can you join me tomorrow in Squamish to send a flaming message to our local, provincial, and federal leaders?
Rally this Saturday in Squamish! Have you RSVP'd yet? Our world is on fire. This year the world experienced the hottest day on record. Over 1,600 wildfires have burned a million hectares in BC. Families have lost their homes. Thousands were evacuated or were on evacuation alert.
Save the date! Help us send a flaming message to the BC Government. Squamish! It's been a hot summer, and I've never been so grateful for the rain. We have some fun and fiery events coming up in September. Make sure you put these dates in your calendar.
Big Oil & Gas are using dirty tactics to influence politicians, the media, and public opinion. A bombshell investigation by The Narwhal has revealed the dirty tactics Big Oil & Gas companies are using to covertly influence BC Government decisions on fracked gas and LNG exports.
FortisBC is proposing to drill a 14-foot wide, 9-kilometre tunnel under the Squamish estuary, and discharge toxic construction effluent into the Squamish River and Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound.
Residents packed the public hearing in Squamish for Woodfibre LNG's proposed floating workcamp. Photo: Caroline Routhier … What a night! I am still buzzing after we packed the room on Tuesday evening in opposition to Woodfibre LNG's proposed floating workcamp.
Dr. Laura Minet, head of the University of Victoria’s Clean Air Lab, is leading a study on the potential health effects of the proposed Woodfibre LNG facility in Squamish.
Standing together in opposition to Woodfibre LNG. Photo: Siobhan Winters … 2023 has been a year of action for My Sea to Sky, but we could not do this work without the dedicated support of our amazing staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and each and every one of you.
Our volunteers and supporters standing up to FortisBC. Photo: Caroline Routhier … As 2023 draws to a close, we're reflecting on the successes and milestones we achieved together this year.
Construction has started on five supporting buildings at the Woodfibre site. Photo: Rich Duncan … It can be hard not to feel powerless as Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC begin construction, but I believe it's really important to hold onto hope.
FortisBC has applied to the BC Energy Regulator to discharge wastewater at both ends of its proposed 14-foot wide, 9-kilometre tunnel under the Squamish estuary: at the BC Rail site and at the Woodfibre site.
Thanks to your generous donations we've already raised $60,000 to support our legal actions! Photo: Fernando Lessa … Wow! We cannot believe how quickly donations are pouring in to support our legal actions to hold Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC accountable (learn more).
Mini-demonstration in Squamish on October 17. Thank you to everyone that came out in the pouring rain to support council as they continue to hold Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC accountable. In case you missed it:
Can you chip in to support our two legal challenges? I am very excited to announce that we've put together a kick-ass legal team to overturn project approvals and hold the Federal and Provincial governments to account. We currently have two legal actions underway.
FortisBC is already laying pipe to discharge effluent into the Squamish River … FortisBC: permission to pollute … Last month we shared that FortisBC had applied to discharge wastewater at both ends of its 14-foot wide, 9-kilometer tunnel underneath the Squamish estuary.
Permission to pollute: Woodfibre LNG … Earlier this year, Woodfibre LNG applied for a permit from the B.C. Energy Regulator (BCER) to discharge millions of cubic metres of toxic construction effluent into Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound.
More than 120,000 people marched at the 2019 Global Climate Strike in Vancouver. Photo: Chris Yakimov … The climate crisis is here. We’re in the middle of the worst wildfire season in history, and B.C. faces a historic drought. Enough is enough.
FortisBC has applied for two Temporary Use Permits (TUPs) from the District of Squamish to build a construction yard, and a workcamp for 650+ workers for the proposed pipeline to Woodfibre LNG.
Woodfibre LNG has applied for a permit from the B.C. Energy Regulator (BCER) to discharge millions of cubic metres of toxic construction effluent into Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound.
Let's be honest: Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC are doing a terrible job of engaging the community in Squamish. A lot of the discussions are happening behind closed doors, and there is little transparency about what is planned.
Last week we met with MP Patrick Weiler to call on him to support a strong emissions cap that includes LNG. This is a critical piece of Federal legislation that could help stop Woodfibre LNG in its tracks. It was a beautiful day, with 20 people joining us from across the riding:
With floods, heat waves, and wildfires hitting our communities, it’s clear we can’t afford to delay climate action. That's why we're joining LeadNow’s Day of Action for a bold emissions cap. Join us on Thursday, May 25, at your MP's office to call for a bold emissions cap that includes LNG!
Today, on International Women's Day, I want to highlight how FortisBC is failing to ensure the safety and human rights of women and girls that live in the Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound region.
My name is Katie Perkins, and I have been volunteering with My Sea to Sky since 2019. This year I am excited to take on the role of Youth Outreach Coordinator. This Thursday, FortisBC is hosting a public information meeting to answer questions related to the workcamp and the construction yard.
Strike One! Non-compliance warning … After starting construction without notice, Woodfibre LNG has been issued a warning that the project is non-compliant with the Environmental Assessment Certificate notification and submission requirements, and twelve of its conditions.
On January 24, we stood together outside municipal hall in Squamish, and called on the District of Squamish to hold Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC accountable—and they did.
Happy New Year! 2023 is going to be a big one, and it's more important than ever to stand together to hold Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC accountable. Can you join us before work on Tuesday for a peaceful demonstration? WHEN: 8:30am to 9:00am, Tuesday 24th January … WHERE:
As the year draws to a close, let's take a moment to reflect on a year of action. My Sea to Sky is a small organization with a big heart. We have an outsized impact, and our success is due in no small part to you—our amazing community. Here are a few of our key successes in 2022...
Paddleboarding on the waters of Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound has allowed me to have such an intimate perspective of this unique ecosystem. The paddleboard is the perfect tool to connect to the environment, and experience the breathtaking beauty and return of wildlife to the sound.
I started swimming in Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound while training for my English Channel swim crossing in 2017, and I've absolutely fallen in love with the area. It's so close to Vancouver, yet these are some of the most desolate and wild places I’ve ever swam.
I have spent the past 30 years out in Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound, climbing the sea cliffs, paddling, and spending time with my family. Returning to Howe Sound time and time again has really helped to calm my soul and instill me with a great sense of peace.
Woodfibre LNG is evicting families in Squamish … Woodfibre LNG is about to evict 30+ families from the Sirocco One building in downtown Squamish. We already have a housing crisis in Squamish, and Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC are about to make it worse.
Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound is a place of inspiration and connection. A place where the people have proved what's possible by standing together to preserve the ongoing restoration of the land, the waters, and the wildlife here.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, everything changed overnight. Woodfibre LNG—which had essentially stalled—is now on a fast-track to construction, capitalizing on the gas crisis in Europe to beg for more government handouts and push through key permits. We need to respond, and quickly.
Take action! Help us to recruit more signatories … In September 2021, a diverse coalition of 200 organizations and businesses published an open letter calling on the BC government to commit to ten urgent climate actions to confront the climate emergency.
Tomorrow evening, Woodfibre LNG is hosting an open house in Squamish. Come out and ask the tough questions to hold Woodfibre LNG accountable! Woodfibre LNG open house in Squamish … WHEN: 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Wednesday 12th October, 2022 … WHERE:
Your social media has been weaponized … I'm really angry about all of the attack ads that have targeted councillors and candidates with disinformation and lies.
Tomorrow is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation women and girls invite you to join us for a candle-lit vigil to remember and honour the victims, survivors, and families of this ongoing genocide. No More Stolen Sisters … WHEN:
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Commemoration honouring our children and survivors … The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation would like to invite everyone to gather as a community to honour, remember, and pay respect to the Survivors of Residential School & those who never made it home.
The last few months I've read through thousands of pages of documents from the environmental assesment for the FortisBC pipeline. What I discovered is that the impacts of a work camp located in the community of Squamish have never been assessed .
This Thursday in Squamish, join us for a FREE community screening of Fracking the Peace, a powerful new documentary telling the story of community members living on Treaty 8 territory in Northeastern B.C. whose daily lives, homes, environment, and health have been changed by fracking in the region.
Earlier this year, we suspected that Woodfibre LNG had made another fake "final investment decision" in a desperate gamble to drum up investors. Unfortunately, their gamble has paid off. Last Friday, Enbridge announced that it had bought a 30% stake in Woodfibre LNG.
Trigger warning: this email contains information about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Please take care of yourself and prioritize your wellbeing.
Earlier this week, upset Squamish residents forced FortisBC to host a public Q&A session. Typically FortisBC uses a format where their staff stand next to panels and engage one-on-one.
Local residents are expressing alarm after learning that FortisBC wants to put a construction yard near their neighbourhood. Residents are concerned about dust, noise pollution, light pollution, air pollution, traffic, waste disposal issues, and many other potential impacts.
Woodfibre LNG has made another fake "final investment decision." In March, Woodfibre LNG announced a budget of CAD $625 million to the District of Squamish, with $25 million designated for preconstruction and site cleanup in Squamish, and the rest for engineering, procurement…
This is ludicrous. FortisBC is proposing a workcamp for 600 workers right in the middle of Squamish. The site is proposed up near Quest University and will be accessed via Mamquam Forest Service Road (near Valleycliffe).
To: Members of the Legislative Assembly … For the last eight years, I have been one of thousands of citizens standing in opposition to the proposed Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC pipeline projects near Squamish BC.
An independent hazard assessment of a worst-case scenario accident (X) shows that residents will suffer potentially lethal radiative effects (up to 330 metres), second degree burns (up to 460 metres), and pain (up to 715 metres).
FortisBC pipeline and compressor station amendment … FortisBC has applied for an amendment to its Environmental Assessment Certificate, and the public comment period started last week (deadline = 23rd December).
I'm sure you saw the ads. Wait, what? You didn't? Huh... that's weird. Earlier this month FortisBC hosted two virtual information sessions to provide updates on their preferred route for the Eagle Mountain to Woodfibre pipeline, and relocation of the compressor station to the Woodfibre site.
A lot of the work for our #StopWoodfibreLNG campaign happens behind the scenes, writing letters to key decision makers and attending meetings. Here's the latest: ********* … BREAKING!