The BG Group invited the community to join them for dinner while learning more about the proposed Ridley Island terminal on Wednesday night, and came prepared to answer any question people on the North Coast may have.
All told there were approximately 20 experts from the BG Group and consulting firm AECOM setup at tables and displays around the room to cover topics ranging from pipeline installation and marine shipping to air and noise and socio-economic impacts. Visitors were invited to grab a bite to eat and some refreshments before joining the experts to discuss the project and any concerns they may have.
BG Group Canada vice-president Madeline Whitaker said the goal of the evening was to provide an open house that was different from what people have come to expect.
"We always talk about how to do things better, and it was thought that this more informal setting would be more appealing. There have been a lot of these types of meetings recently that take a lot of people's time, so we thought we would buy everyone dinner and get people engaged," she said, noting the company will be back in January for the more formal Environmental Assessment open house.
"A lot of people have commented that they are very supportive of the project, that they see the benefits and the opportunities, and we understand people also have concerns with issues around air quality and the environment and understandably have questions ... we have had great questions, and feel it is important that people have the experts here that can provide them answers."
Whitaker, who also spoke to female business leaders in Prince Rupert early Wednesday morning, said the BG Group is preparing for the next major step in pursuing its terminal proposal.
"The major focus is completing the work for the environmental assessment. We have been busy carrying out baseline studies and that work is drawing to a close in the coming months, so we will be gathering all of that information together and plan to submit the environmental assessment document in the middle on next year," she said.