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A major project is a proposal that requires a high degree of internal and external coordination.

It often requires an Environmental Assessment by the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) and/or the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) in addition to the BC Energy Regulator’s own permitting processes. You can find more information on these processes here.

A map and list of the major projects are available below. Click on the project name to see the application status and any permits that have been issued.

List of Major Projects

Coastal GasLink

This permitted project involves the construction and operation of an approximately 670-kilometre, 48-inch diameter natural gas pipeline running from the Dawson Creek area to the proposed LNG Canada facility near Kitimat, B.C.

Eagle Mountain - Woodfibre Gas Pipeline

FortisBC is proposing an approximately 47 kilometre expansion of a portion of their existing natural gas pipeline system that serves Squamish, the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island.

Kitimat LNG

The proposed project is located at Bish Cove, near Kitimat, on land leased through a benefit agreement with the Haisla Nation.

Cedar LNG

The proposed project would be located in Kitimat, BC within the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation.

LNG Canada

LNG Canada is building an LNG export terminal in Kitimat B.C.

Pacific Trails Pipeline

This proposed project is a 471 kilometre natural gas pipeline that would deliver natural gas from Summit Lake B.C. to the Kitimat area.

Prince Rupert Gas Transmission

This proposed project is a 900 kilometre natural gas pipeline running from Hudson’s Hope to Lelu Island, near Prince Rupert.

Tilbury Marine Jetty

Tilbury Jetty Limited Partnership is proposing to construct and operate a marine jetty on Tilbury Island in Delta, BC.

Trans Mountain Expansion Project

The Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP) is a proposal to expand and twin the existing Trans Mountain oil pipeline system between Edmonton, AB and Burnaby, B.C.

Vancouver Airport Fuel Delivery

The Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation (VAFFC) is constructing a new 13 kilometre, 356 millimetre underground pipeline to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to supply aviation fuel.

Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission

The proposed project would build an approximately 850 kilometre natural gas pipeline corridor from the Cypress are in northeast B.C. to Ridley Island, near Prince Rupert.

Woodfibre LNG

Woodfibre LNG Limited is proposing to build a small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) processing and export facility at the former Woodfibre pulp mill site, about seven kilometres southwest of Squamish, B.C.

Interprovincial Pipelines -- the BCER's Role

Does the BC Energy Regulator regulate all pipelines in B.C., including those that originate outside of the province?

The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) is the primary regulator for the majority of pipelines within B.C. Pipelines that originate in other provinces and extend into B.C. are under the federal jurisdiction of the Canada Energy Regulator (CER). The BCER does maintain a regulatory role for these interprovincial pipelines related to application reviews and issuance of provincial authorizations required for construction, operation and maintenance.


Which parts of inter-provincial oil and gas projects are under the BCER’s jurisdiction?

For interprovincial pipelines, the Regulator reviews applications and, if approved, issues authorizations under the provincial Land Act, Water Sustainability Act, and the Forest Act. These authorizations are related to the use of Crown land and water resources, as well as tree cutting permits.


Which parts of inter-provincial oil and gas projects are under the CER’s jurisdiction?

The CER is the primary regulator for interprovincial pipelines, including the oversight of construction, operations, and maintenance. The CER and BCER liaise as necessary and maintain a Memorandum of Understanding.


Does this also include permitting work camps on interprovincial projects?

The BCER may authorize oil and gas operators to use land for the purposes of a camp; however, additional authorizations and permits are required from other jurisdictions, such as regional health authorities, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Transportation, WorkSafeBC, etc., to construct and operate a campsite. To learn more about permitting work camps, click here.


What factors does the BCER consider when approving permits?

Factors the BCER considers when assessing permit applications for interprovincial pipelines include:

  • Protection of public safety.
  • Protection of the environment.
  • Indigenous rights and title interests, concerns and impacts.
  • Details, concerns and/or conditions identified during environmental assessments.

What is the process for reviewing applications for interprovincial pipelines?

The process for reviewing applications for authorizations for CER regulated pipelines is the same as for projects located entirely within B.C. When an application is submitted, the BCER conducts a comprehensive review that considers land use, environmental factors, hydrology, and consultation with First Nations and land owners. To learn more about this application and review process, check out the Review Applications webpage.


Is rights holder* engagement part of the permitting process?

Yes, rights holder engagement is required as part of the application process and is intended to promote communication and collaborative engagement between proponents, land owners and rights holders prior to application submission.

Submission of an application must include application deliverables specific to rights holder engagement based on the planned activity and location of activity.


Are environmental impacts considered when permitting projects?

Yes, the BCER works to ensure projects are developed by considering the impacts to air quality, wildlife, water and land during the application review process. It’s our job to ensure both the environment and public safety are protected, and those with concerns have the opportunity to have their voice heard.

To learn more about the permitting process, please visit https://www.bcogc.ca/how-we-regulate/


Does the BCER inspect and/or continue to regulate interprovincial pipelines that have authorizations?

The BCER maintains oversight for the full lifecycle of any provincial authorizations issued. This includes compliance and enforcement and any future site remediation once operations have ceased.


Does the BCER regulate the Trans Mountain Expansion Project?

The Trans Mountain Expansion Project is an interprovincial pipeline and as such, the CER is the primary regulator. The BCER is responsible for reviewing applications and issuing authorizations under provincial acts including the Land Act, Water Sustainability Act, and Forest Act.

*A rights holder means a permit holder under the Oil and Gas Activities Act and a person who holds an authorization listed in the Act. See “rights holder” definition in the Requirements for Consultation and Notification Regulation

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