Minister's Response

Project

The South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (or TransLink) is proposing the Surrey Langley SkyTrain Project (the Project), an extension of the existing Expo Line SkyTrain along Fraser Highway from the existing terminus at King George Station to 203 Street in Langley City Centre. The Project would be located in Surrey and Langley, British Columbia.

Decision

Non-designated project

Reasons

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change has considered the potential for the Project to cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, adverse direct or incidental effects, public concern related to these effects, as well as adverse impacts on the Aboriginal and treaty rights of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. The Minister also considered the analysis of the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.

The Minister has reached the decision that the designation of the Project is unwarranted for the following reasons:

  • the regulatory review processes that currently apply to the Project and related consultations with Indigenous Peoples provide a framework to address the potential adverse aforementioned effects and concerns raised by Indigenous Peoples and members of the public. These include:
    • provincial licences, permits and approvals required for the Project pursuant to B.C.'s Water Sustainability Act, Heritage Conservation Act, Petroleum Storage and Distribution Facilities Storm Water Regulation under the Environmental Management Act, and Wildlife Act;
    • TransLink's Environmental Screening Review of the Project to identify potential effects and implement mitigation measures; and
  • the Project must comply with relevant provisions of federal legislation, including the Fisheries Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the Species at Risk Act, and the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.

Document Reference Number: 13

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