PORT EDWARD - The District of Port Edward submitted a letter offering their full support of the Pacific NorthWest LNG project.
Council made the move during the public commenting period on the draft environmental assessment of the project.
All four councillors and Mayor Dave MacDonald approved the letter drafted by the chief administrative officer, Bob Payette to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
The letter said the LNG project is “a game changing opportunity” for people, contractors and businesses in the area. The proponent has worked with the district since 2012 on improving the facility design to address concerns of the council and residents.
“The changes that have been made to the facility have ensured Port Edward will continue to experience a unique quality of life,” the letter stated.
The letter adds that many people in Port Edward enjoy boating, fishing, and benefitting from the Skeena River salmon population. The district is satisfied with the “extensive studies that PNW LNG has conducted” and the CEAA’s review of the project.
The council also makes it known that they visited an LNG facility in Malaysia, operated by Petronas.
“We were impressed with their high standards for safety and environmental protection, and we saw firsthand how the community around the facility is thriving,” the letter states.
At the meeting on March 8, the mayor wanted to make sure there were a few amendments to the letter to include other benefits Pacific NorthWest LNG plans to bring to the district.
The mayor said the agreement with the proponent includes enhancements for Port Edward’s water treatment sewer plant and for Wampler Way bypass that will reconnect Skeena Drive near the proposed LNG development on Lelu Island.
“I urge the Government of Canada to approve Pacific NorthWest LNG’s environmental certificate,” the letter concludes.