Fighting for a fair tax deal since 2014
September 19, 2026
Tracey Saxby
I'm noticing a lot of disinformation online about Woodfibre LNG and the tax deal. Let's set the record straight.
2014 | Woodfibre LNG proposed a $2 million tax agreement that would be capped at $3 million with inflation during operations. My Sea to Sky successfully advocated for council not to accept this unfair tax deal. LEARN MORE
July 2015 | BC Assessment Authority estimated Woodfibre LNG could generate $5–7 million in municipal tax revenue per year during operations. Phew! Thank frack we spoke up. LEARN MORE
October 2015 | Woodfibre LNG was approved by the provincial government. According to the Reason for Ministers' Decision, Woodfibre LNG told the province it would generate $21 million in municipal taxes per year during operations. Frack! That's ten times more money than Woodfibre LNG offered the year before. LEARN MORE
2022 | My Sea to Sky exposed that Woodfibre LNG covertly funded Squamish Forward, a local group led by Evan Drygas and Gord Addison, which started a petition to stop the District from borrowing money it needed to upgrade critical infrastructure to supply Squamish with clean drinking water and to manage our wastewater. This stunt cost Squamish taxpayers half a million dollars. Woodfibre LNG actively undermined trust in local government to influence voters in the leadup to the election, in the hopes that a pro-LNG council would give them a sweetheart deal on taxes.
LEARN MORE
2023 | Woodfibre LNG begins construction.
2024 | District of Squamish set the tax rate for Major Industry to $125 per $1,000 of assessed value.
2025 | Woodfibre LNG pays ~$2.2 million in municipal taxes during construction.
June 2025 | Woodfibre LNG files a lawsuit to contest the tax rate in court, claiming it would make the US$8.8 billion dollar project unsustainable.
LEARN MORE | READ THE COURT DOCUMENTS
2026 | Woodfibre LNG pays $8 million in municipal taxes during construction.
June 2026 | Woodfibre LNG renews its lawsuit. LEARN MORE
September 2026 | Woodfibre LNG offers $14.2 million in municipal taxes per year during operations. Wait. What the frack? That's a terrible tax deal.
LEARN MORE | READ THE TAX OFFER
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How much should Woodfibre LNG pay in taxes?
Municipal tax rates are determined by council every year based on community needs and can be adjusted to offset depreciation. Council identifies how much revenue is needed to pay for critical services and sets the tax rates accordingly. SEE MUNICIPAL TAX RATES FOR BC
Squamish has a lot of aging infrastructure that has not kept pace with population growth. For example, we need a new Recreation Centre, which we estimate will cost at least $250 million based on one NHL-sized rink ($65 million) and an aquatic centre ($185 million) with parking infrastructure.
Woodfibre LNG's tax offer
= $14.2 million per year
If they paid the average major industry tax rate
= $16–24 million per year*
If they paid the equivalent pulp mill tax rate
= $24–36 million per year*
*Based on an estimated assessed value of $400–600 million per year for Woodfibre LNG.
One LNG carrier could earn...
$37–93 million every week based on a spot price of $10 to $25 per million Btu. Woodfibre LNG currently plans to export one LNG carrier per week, but hopes to double or triple its exports.
Do you get a deal on your taxes? No! Why should Woodfibre LNG?
🔥TAKE ACTION! Send a letter
Tell council they have your support to reject Woodfibre LNG's terrible tax deal. Tell them if you're a resident. Tell them if you own a home or a business. We put together example speaking points to help you personalize your letter.
DEADLINE: September 22, 2026
SEND A LETTER*******
🔥Show council they have your support
WHEN: 5:30pm to 8pm, Tuesday September 22, 2026
WHERE: Squamish Municipal Hall
37955 2nd Ave, Squamish, BC
ITINERARY:
5:30pm | Gather for a quick photo action outside Squamish Municipal Hall.
6pm till ~8pm | Attend the council meeting and hold a sign inside council chambers.
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Where are the economic benefits Woodfibre LNG promised?
Tracey Saxby
Executive Director
My Sea to Sky
My Sea to Sky is incredibly proud and grateful to say that we rely on the My Sea to Sky community for small donations that provide the majority of our funding. Since our launch in 2014, we have been funded through personal savings, family and friends; and powered by the passion of our volunteers. Your generous contribution will help us to run our critical campaigns to defend, protect, and restore Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound. Can you chip in?