Building a skilled legacy
To date, Coastal GasLink has spent $60 million locally in northern B.C., including $3 million on community investment initiatives, education and training initiatives. During construction and operation, the benefits to B.C. will grow significantly. We’ve invested in a variety of training programs to support Indigenous and local trainees and students such as the Pathway to Pipeline Readiness Program and Education Legacy programs.
Collaborative approach
Since the project was announced in 2012, we’ve held more than 26,000 engagements with Indigenous groups to listen to their views, gather feedback and plan our route. Our collaborative approach with northern B.C. Indigenous communities has resulted in 20 signed project agreements with the First Nations communities along the route. These agreements reflect that many First Nations support responsible development and growth that translates into real opportunities. Approximately $825 million in contracts have already been awarded to Indigenous and local businesses to date for the project’s right-of-way clearing, medical, security and camp management needs to date.
Strengthening communities
Not only will construction create thousands of high-quality jobs, it will also create demand for things like construction and maintenance equipment, food services, accommodation and more. We’re expecting construction to cost over $6.6 billion, with at least 32 per cent of that spend taking place in B.C. Once the pipeline is in operation, an additional $42 million is forecast to be spent each year, mainly in B.C.
An estimated $21 million in annual property tax benefits will support community services such as fire protection, policing, schools, hospital districts and waste management.