BC approves FortisBC's $2B Tilbury LNG expansion

The BC government has approved FortisBC's more than $2-billion expansion of its Tilbury LNG Facility in Delta, clearing the way for a project it says will create jobs, strengthen the economy and support lower-emission marine shipping.

The Province announced Friday that it approved regulatory changes allowing FortisBC to move ahead with the expansion. The project will increase LNG production to meet growing demand for marine fuelling at the Port of Vancouver and along the West Coast.

"The expansion of the Tilbury LNG Facility is an investment in BC's future, creating jobs, growing our economy and helping reduce emissions through an investment of more than $2 billion," said Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix.

The Province expects construction to support about 1,100 jobs each year over four years, generate more than $800 million in economic activity and produce between $15 million and $20 million a year in provincial natural gas royalties.

The regulatory changes also create a pathway for the Musqueam Indian Band to acquire an ownership interest in the project through a partnership with FortisBC.

"Musqueam has always been a trading people, and today, we continue to build an economy that creates lasting benefits for our community while contributing to the prosperity of British Columbia," said Musqueam Chief Wayne Sparrow.

FortisBC says the expanded facility will help meet growing demand for LNG as a marine fuel, including for vessels operating along the West Coast.

Construction could begin as early as mid-2027, and the expanded facility is expected to begin operating in 2031, pending the remaining regulatory approvals.