Coastal GasLink workforce grows to more than 1,000 in January

Coastal GasLink continues to progress construction across the 670-kilometre project route from Kitimat to Chetwynd, with more than 1,000 women and men, many of them local and Indigenous, expected to be undertaking clearing, grading, continued workforce accommodation establishment and other activities in January. Employment numbers are expected to grow as activities ramp up, with pipe assembly beginning this summer and continuing through 2022.  

The project continues to deliver benefits to Indigenous and local communities; $870 million in contracts have been awarded since Final Investment Decision in October 2018. To November 2019, the most current figures available, the project has generated more than $107 million in local spend and more than $77 million in indirect economic spinoffs. Figures for total 2019 are still being compiled. 

“Not only does construction create thousands of high-quality jobs, it creates demand for things like construction and maintenance equipment, food services, accommodation and more. Our contractors are mandated to source local wherever they can, including for equipment and supplies,” said Dan Bierd, Coastal GasLink’s vice-president of pipeline implementation.  

“There are also many indirect benefits to local communities,” added Bierd.  

For example, Fred Wilson of Northwest Truck Rentals in Smithers, B.C., is supplying rental vehicles to Coastal GasLink and its contractors.  

“I’m proud to support both Coastal GasLink and its partner, LNG Canada,” said Wilson. 

Just prior to the holidays, Wilson put his mechanic to work building a special lighted sign to show his support for the LNG project.  

“My mechanic spent 39 hours making that sign from plywood. We wanted to bring some awareness to the project in our backyard,” he added.  

The $40-billion LNG project represents the largest single private sector investment in Canadian history.  

“Not only is my business benefitting, this project is bringing long-term economic benefits to our community – hotels, local industrial and supply stores, airlines and even local restaurants. I also see there is a lot of indigenous business working out there and benefitting. This is making a real difference to local families and is important to the long-term sustainability of our community. The healthier our community is, the healthier the North is.”  

It’s estimated that at least 32 per cent of the capital cost will be spent in B.C. Once the pipeline is in operation, an additional $42 million is forecast to be spent each year, mainly in B.C.  

Once complete, the project is estimated to contribute $20.88 million in annual property tax benefits that will support northern community services such as fire protection, policing, hospitals, schools and waste management.  

Work in the vicinity of 9A Lodge remains suspended due to impassable roads. We continue to evaluate the construction schedule in this location and will resume work when it is safe to do so. We continue to seek a meeting with Chief Namox and remain hopeful for a peaceful resolution.