About Coastal GasLink

A pipeline to support the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry

Approximately 670 kilometres, the Coastal GasLink pipeline project is a proposed pipeline that will safely deliver natural gas across northern B.C. After Coastal GasLink delivers the natural gas from the Dawson Creek area to a facility near Kitimat, LNG Canada  will prepare it for export to global markets by converting the gas to a liquefied state – also known as LNG. Coastal GasLink will not be producing or exporting natural gas or LNG – our role is to ensure the safe transportation of the natural gas.

Why is Coastal GasLink important?

Natural gas is one of the world’s cleanest and safest energy sources. It’s used for many purposes – to heat our homes and operate household appliances, to make crop fertilizer, fabrics, plastics and other every day products. The Douglas Channel near Kitimat provides easy access to export the energy to Asian markets, where coal-fired electricity is commonly used. This provides a unique opportunity for the province to help replace higher carbon emitting fuels such as coal, helping to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Accessing the port requires the construction of Coastal GasLink.

Timeline and milestones

2012 — TransCanada is selected by LNG Canada to design, build, own and operate Coastal GasLink. We begin our ongoing engagement process, followed by environmental and engineering studies along the proposed route.

2014  —  Coastal GasLink files the Environmental Assessment Application with the BC Environmental Assessment Office and a detailed project design application to the BC Oil and Gas Commission. The project’s conditional Environmental Assessment Certificate is awarded October 24, 2014.

2015 — Field work continues, along with development of plans and strategies to fulfill regulatory conditions.

2016 — Field work continues so the Coastal GasLink team can gather further details about the approved route and the South of Houston Alternate Route.

2017 — Coastal GasLink filed its amendment applications for the South of Houston Alternate Route with the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office and the Oil and Gas Commission in November 2017. Coastal GasLink’s consideration of a proposed alternate route was entirely initiated as a potential solution to the feedback received from Aboriginal groups in the area.

In late 2014, Coastal GasLink initiated a program to provide local Aboriginal groups with the opportunity to participate in field study activities, information sharing and intergenerational transfer of traditional and cultural knowledge along sections of the Coastal GasLink pipeline corridor.

After extensive consultation with Aboriginal people from various groups through that program, Coastal GasLink initiated additional studies and engineering work to create the South of Houston alternate option to help further reduce effects on traditional and cultural land.

2018 — Coastal GasLink has been given approval for the South of Houston Alternate Route by the Environmental Assessment Office in May 2018.