• Caroline Routhier
Caroline Routhier

Reject FortisBC's workcamp


744 signed. Let's get to 1000.

FortisBC has applied for two Temporary Use Permits from the District of Squamish to build a construction yard and a workcamp for up to 650 workers who will be building the Eagle Mountain Pipleine to Woodfibre LNG.

District of Squamish staff have told FortisBC that the proposed workcamp is not viable in this location due to current zoning and district policies, issues with permitting, access, services, policing, fire, and impacts to existing businesses and residents. But in the rush to construction, FortisBC is ignoring the community's concerns.

FortisBC is failing to ensure the safety and human rights of everyone that lives in the Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound region.

Where is FortisBC's proposed workcamp?

FortisBC has applied to the District of Squamish for a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) to build a 7-hectare workcamp in the cutblock near Capilano University, accessed via the Mamquam Forest Service Road. The workcamp has 325 proposed parking stalls, plus another 420 stalls at the proposed contruction yard next to Raven's Plateau.

Three ways to take action:

1. Use the template above to send a personalized letter to council before 12pm, Tuesday September 24, 2024. Or email council directly: hearing@squamish.ca

2. Sign up to speak at the public hearing on Wednesday September 25, 2024. IMPORTANT! Email phspeakerslist@squamish.ca now to sign up to the Speaker's List early.

3. Hold a sign at the public hearing on Wednesday September 25, 2024 (no preparation necessary).

What can we ask council to do?

This is a discretionary decision, which means that council is under no obligation to approve FortisBC's workcamp. Council has the jurisdiction to:

  1. Reject the TUP.
  2. Defer a decision on the TUP.
  3. Refer the TUP back to staff.

Share your story and perspective

What is your stake in the community? How will the workcamp affect you and your family? What are your concerns about the workcamp? Were you ever consulted by FortisBC in this process? Have you had enough time to meaningfully participate in this process?

IMPORTANT! If you'd like to speak at the public hearing on September 25, 2024, email phspeakerslist@squamish.ca now to sign up to the Speaker's List.

Why is FortisBC's workcamp a problem?

Studies during construction of similar industrial projects with large numbers of temporary construction workers have shown:

FortisBC is still failing to address many of the community's concerns. Even worse: FortisBC is already avoiding responsibility and accountability when things go wrong.

Risk to Squamish's future water supply

Aquifers under the workcamp location are identified as a future water supply for Squamish. Protecting our drinking water is critical, and as the population of Squamish grows additional sources of water will be required. Less than 10% of British Columbia has enough water and as climate change worsens drought conditions, we must protect our current and future water sources.

District staff have noted that FortisBC's workcamp presents a risk of groundwater contamination due to the presence of hazardous materials associated with the construction and operation of the proposed access road, the associated parking area, and the workcamp itself.

FortisBC has already received two warnings of non-compliance from the BC Environmental Assessment Office, for failing to store hazardous materials in appropriate storage, failing to install and maintain erosion and sediment controls, and failing to separate, cover and store contaminated soil properly.

We cannot allow FortisBC's workcamp to put Squamish's future drinking water supply at risk.

Example speaking points

More background info:

1. Watch the staff update to council at the recent September 10, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting. Time: ~2 hours. Start at 8 minutes in.

2. Read the 2024-09-10 staff report on FortisBC's workcamp.

3. Review the DRAFT Temporary Use Permit. Important! Council has discretion to reject this draft permit, add conditions, or refer it back to staff.

References