Notice of Impact Assessment Decision with Reasons

Ottawa — January 10, 2022 — The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) has decided that an impact assessment is required for the Tilbury Phase 2 LNG Expansion Project (the Project), located in Delta, British Columbia. The Project is proposed by FortisBC Holdings Inc. (the Proponent).

In accordance with subsection 16(2) of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), the Agency has taken into account each of the following factors:

  • the Proponent's Detailed Project Description, and its response to the summary of relevant issues. The Agency is satisfied that, for the purpose of determining whether an impact assessment is required, this information provided by the Proponent adequately characterizes the potential effects of the Project;
  • the possibility that carrying out the Project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction and adverse direct and incidental effects;
  • adverse impacts that the Project may have on the rights of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982; and
  • comments received from the public, Indigenous groups, federal authorities and other jurisdictions in relation to the Project. These comments are reflected in the Joint Summary of Issues and Engagement document.

The Lower Mainland Region in general has not been the subject of a federal strategic or regional assessment. The Strategic Assessment of Climate Change, released in July 2020, was recognized as a strategic assessment conducted under Section 95 of the IAA. It applies to projects designated under the IAA and the Proponent identified it as relevant to the Project.

In light of the factors considered, the Agency is of the view that the Project may cause adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, including potential effects on fish and fish habitat, aquatic species at risk, migratory birds, federal lands, effects from greenhouse gas emissions, and changes to the health, social, economic and environmental conditions of Indigenous peoples. The Project may also adversely impact the rights of Indigenous peoples. As a result, the Agency has decided that an impact assessment under the IAA is required.

For further information on this impact assessment, please contact:
tilburylng-gnltilbury@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.

Document Reference Number: 53

Date modified: