Prince George, B.C.: TransCanada announced June 1 that its Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Ltd. (PRGT) project has entered into project agreements with the Doig River First Nation, Halfway River First Nation and Yekooche First Nation of northern B.C. The project agreements provide each First Nation with financial and other benefits related to the pipeline projects. Specifically, the project agreements provide annual legacy payments for the duration of the commercial operation of the pipelines, plus immediate benefits on signing, and at other key project milestones.
Pipeline project agreements are part of a comprehensive approach to working with First Nations on liquefied natural gas (LNG) opportunities, including developing skills training, employment and involving First Nations in developing business opportunities.
“Reaching agreement with the Doig River, Halfway River and Yekooche First Nations has required a significant investment by all parties in building a meaningful relationship,” said Dean Patry, president, PRGT. “We are proud of the rapid progress we are making in securing formal support from First Nations along the PRGT route. These agreements reflect our commitment to engage with First Nation communities in a significant and respectful way and to provide fair and meaningful benefits during construction and through the operational life of the project. Doig River, Halfway River and Yekooche have played important roles in helping us refine the PRGT project in their traditional and treaty territories. They will continue to be key partners as we advance toward construction and operation of these pipelines.”
The Doig River, Halfway River and Yekooche agreements join previously-announced PRGT agreements with Lake Babine Nation, Nisga’a Lisims Government, Gitanyow First Nation and Kitselas First Nation.
PRGT is proposing to design, build, own and operate a 900 kilometre natural gas pipeline to deliver natural gas from a point near Hudson’s Hope to the proposed Pacific NorthWest LNG facility at Lelu Island, off the coast of Port Edward, near Prince Rupert.