TransCanada, First Nations groups sign deals for Coastal GasLink project

TransCanada Corp. reported that its Coastal GasLink Pipeline Project has signed long-term agreements with Nadleh Whut’en First Nation and West Moberly First Nations. The Coastal GasLink project has now secured 11 project agreements and continues to make “good progress” toward concluding deals with other First Nations along the pipeline route, TransCanada said.

“Our early and consistent engagement with First Nations has helped establish trust and lay the groundwork for these project agreements,” said Rick Gateman, Coastal GasLink president. “The deep familiarity and knowledge that First Nations have with their land is a tremendous benefit that TransCanada draws upon throughout its project planning process.”

Coastal GasLink is proposing to construct and operate a 670-km natural gas pipeline from the Groundbirch area near Dawson Creek, BC, to the proposed LNG Canada LNG export facility near Kitimat, BC. The project is a key component of TransCanada’s capital growth plan, which includes more than $13 billion in proposed gas pipeline projects.

In third-quarter 2014, TransCanada was issued an environmental assessment certificate by the British Columbian Environmental Assessment Office for the Coastal GasLink project (OGJ Online, Oct. 27, 2014).