Federal and B.C. Governments Approve Expansion of Tilbury LNG Facility in Delta

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The Tilbury LNG facility expansion in Delta, B.C. has received federal and provincial approvals, promising significant economic benefits despite some local opposition.

The federal government has given the green light to the expansion of the Tilbury LNG facility located in Delta, British Columbia. This approval signifies that the potential adverse effects associated with the project are justified by its anticipated benefits. The decision was announced on a Monday, following the issuance of an environmental assessment certificate for the project by the B.C. government to FortisBC, which operates the facility on Tilbury Island in the Fraser River.
According to the provincial government, the Tilbury expansion is projected to create approximately 6,200 full-time-equivalent years of employment during its construction phase and will generate around 100 permanent jobs once operational. Moreover, the project is expected to contribute up to $1.7 billion to the provincial GDP during the construction period. Federal Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin highlighted in her statement that this project exemplifies a model of how to generate employment and stimulate economic growth while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns and advancing reconciliation efforts.
The expansion will involve the addition of a substantial new storage tank and the necessary equipment to facilitate the production of up to 7,700 tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) each day. However, the project has not been without its detractors. Within the B.C. government, Kelly Greene, the minister of emergency management and climate readiness, expressed her disappointment regarding FortisBC's decision to proceed with the expansion, citing safety issues raised by community members. Greene noted that she had consistently raised these safety concerns with the government and reiterated her opposition to the project, which has remained unchanged since before her election to the legislature.
NDP Premier David Eby commented that his government maintains a broad and inclusive approach, allowing Greene to express her criticisms regarding the project. Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson emphasized that the approval represents a significant advancement in the government's objective to expedite the construction of major nation-building projects. He stated that the Tilbury Phase 2 LNG expansion will provide cleaner fuel for BC Ferries, enhance Canada’s energy security, and create economic opportunities for residents of British Columbia.
The B.C. government has promoted the expansion as a means to meet the increasing demand for LNG at the Port of Vancouver and to improve fuel access for vessels navigating the coastal and Pacific routes. In a statement released on Monday, the province noted that the environmental assessment certificate includes 18 legally binding conditions that pertain to air quality, wildlife protection, greenhouse gas reduction, health and emergency planning, and the ongoing monitoring of impacts on First Nations.
The assessment process for the project began in February 2020; however, it experienced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. FortisBC subsequently submitted a revised application in February 2026, which led to the current approvals being granted.
As the project moves forward, it will be crucial for both the provincial and federal governments to address the concerns raised by local communities and ensure that the expansion is conducted in an environmentally responsible manner, while also fulfilling its promise of economic benefits.

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