The District of Squamish joins communities around Howe Sound stating opposition to Woodfibre LNG
Squamish council tells BC EAO the Woodfibre LNG project is unsupportable as it stands.
SQUAMISH, BC: The District of Squamish has responded decisively to overwhelming public concern regarding the Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC Pipeline projects proposed for Squamish and the Salish Sea (Howe Sound) by strongly stating opposition to these proposals in a letter to the BC Environmental Assessment Office.
In March 2015, the District of Squamish consulted with the community through a focused engagement process to gauge public opinion on these proposed projects. Over 2,700 public comments were received, which resulted in a report clearly identifying the top ten concerns of participants. The Squamish Chamber of Commerce also conducted a survey that found despite strong support for industry, the business community was uncertain about the merits of Woodfibre LNG.
The District’s letter to the BC Environmental Assessment Office incorporates all of these major concerns of the general public, in addition to concerns identified by the District’s community committee on Woodfibre LNG, and the Working Group.
“No matter what anyone’s opinion is on Woodfibre LNG, it is in our community’s best interests to demand that the proponent demonstrate real net benefits to Squamish in the context of environment, economy and social impacts,” said Auli Parviainen on behalf of My Sea to Sky. “We applaud the Squamish Council for their courage and leadership in standing up for the community and recognizing that Woodfibre LNG and Fortis have failed to provide adequate information and answers.”
Chris Pettingill, a member of the District’s LNG Committee, was a co-author of the resolution that was proposed to Council on Tuesday. “I’m pleased that our draft resolution propelled Council to update their letter to state that these projects cannot be supported at this time. The proponents clearly have a lot more work to do before these projects are suitable for Squamish.”
Auli Parvianen is available for interview via email or phone: 604-935-0970
Chris Pettingill is available for interview via email or phone: 604-567-3367
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Watch the District of Squamish’s Special Business Meeting – April 28th 2015 here:
http://squamish.ca/yourgovernment/meetings/video-library/2015-meeting-video-archive/april/
Download the DRAFT letter here (note this has since been revised and will be sent to the BC EAO today):
https://squamish.civicweb.net/FileStorage/140581EF83524CDA92F24FE594ADA21C-WLNG%20EA%20Complete.pdf
Download the District’s Community Engagement Report here:
https://squamish.civicweb.net/FileStorage/BE0A1B103D3F4E0695C3700D806FF418-Woodfibre%20Engagement%20Summary.pdf
Read My Sea to Sky’s letter to the District of Squamish and proposed resolution here:
http://www.myseatosky.org/district_feedback
List of municipal resolutions and votes:
- Village of Lion’s Bay, May 20, 2014
"The Village of Lions Bay urges the federal government to ban the passage of LNG tankers in the waters of the Malaspina, Georgia, Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits, and Boundary Pass."
http://files.lionsbay.ca/2014%20Content/Council/Minutes/20140520%20Regular%20Meeting%20Minutes%20-%20signed.pdf - Town of Gibsons, July 15th, 2014
"Gibsons Council urge the federal government to ban the passage of LNG tankers in the waters of Howe Sound and the Georgia Strait, and to request the support of other communities around the Howe Sound to support this resolution."
http://www.gibsons.ca/include/get.php?nodeid=808 - District of West Vancouver, July 21, 2014
"To write to the federal government with a suggestion to ban the passage of LNG tankers in the waters of Howe Sound."
http://westvancouver.ca/sites/default/files/dwv/council-minutes/2014/July/14jul21.pdf - Municipality of Squamish, January 20th 2015
Council votes no to LNG pipeline test drilling in Squamish estuary.
https://squamish.civicweb.net/Documents/DocumentList.aspx?ID=107946 - Bowen Island Municipality: Feb 24, 2015
Resolution regarding an LNG tanker ban in Howe Sound carried.
https://bowenisland.civicweb.net/document/59416/150223%20RC%20MinutesFINAL%28E%29.pdf?handle=D6E17CD334F94F4D866FD8C715B97671
Media Contact:
Tatiana Kostiak
Title: Media Relations
Phone: 604-966-8625
Email: mediarelations@myseatosky.org