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Indigenous co-owned project moving to continue construction
VANCOUVER, B.C. — The British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) has determined that the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) Project substantially commenced construction prior to the November 25, 2024 substantial start deadline in its Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC). This decision marks a significant milestone in the path toward delivering responsible, Indigenous-led energy infrastructure in British Columbia.
This determination is the culmination of years of planning, investment, and on-the-ground work completed to date. PRGT will continue gradually ramping up construction activities—including conducting detailed surveys along the pipeline’s right of way in the coming weeks. Importantly, this next phase will include continued engagement with Indigenous Nations to update project agreements, share detailed construction plans, and gather feedback on management plans. PRGT remains committed to significant dialogue, ensuring that Nations have significant input on the project going forward.
“This is an important step—not just for PRGT, but for the Nisga’a Nation’s vision of self-determination and long-term prosperity,” said Eva Clayton, President of Nisga’a Lisims Government, a co-owner of PRGT. “This project, and the Ksi Lisims LNG project, marks a turning point. For too long, Indigenous Nations have watched resource development happen around us, instead of with us. PRGT is different—it is Indigenous-owned, Indigenous-led, and grounded in a model of partnership that puts our communities at the centre of decision-making. We are delighted that other Nations along the route have expressed interest in joining us as equity owners in PRGT. Together we can help shape a new era where Indigenous leadership is not the exception, but the expectation.”
“The PRGT and Ksi Lisims LNG projects will be an important source of new LNG supply as developing countries increase their electricity generation capacity. Supplying this growth with clean, responsible Canadian LNG will not only help those countries develop economically and reduce poverty but will also avoid significant carbon and methane emissions resulting from longer shipping routes and older technology,” said Davis Thames, President, CEO, and Founder of Western LNG LLC, a co-owner of PRGT. “We are pleased to be working with our partner Nisga’a Nation, the B.C. government, and the communities and Indigenous Nations where PRGT is located to make this a model for how major infrastructure projects should be done—respectfully, inclusively, and with shared prosperity—in Canada, and for the world.”
Construction activities during 2024 included approximately $25 million of Indigenous procurement and subcontracting opportunities, over $13 million in expenditures within the local community of Terrace, and an Indigenous employment rate of 30 per cent, triple the average for large projects in the region. Work completed to date included the completion of:
Clearing 42km right-of-way
47km access roads
9 permanent bridges
110,000 hours of employment
Approximately $600 million has been invested in development and construction activities for the PRGT project since inception.
About the PRGT Project:
The Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Project is a natural gas pipeline that will safely and responsibly deliver natural gas from northeastern British Columbia to the proposed Ksi Lisims LNG facility on Nisga’a Nation territory. PRGT was acquired from TC Energy during 2024 by NW Infrastructure Limited Partnership. PRGT represents a new model for Indigenous-led infrastructure—prioritizing environmental responsibility, economic reconciliation, and local partnership. The project has been designed to minimize environmental impacts through route refinements and best-in-class mitigation measures, while maximizing benefits for Indigenous and northern communities.
About NW Infrastructure Limited Partnership:
The Nisga’a Nation and Western LNG formed NW Infrastructure Limited Partnership in connection with their acquisition of PRGT during 2024. The partners are dedicated to promoting Indigenous participation and ownership in the energy sector. Committed to sustainable development and economic empowerment, the partnership aims to create a lasting positive impact within First Nation communities across northern B.C.
Media Enquiries:
Rebecca Scott
Senior Director, Communications & Public Affairs
rscott@westernlng.com
