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PRINCE RUPERT – For the last few years, a lot of hype has surrounded the potential developments around Prince Rupert, but there haven’t been very many shovels put into the ground. This is especially true for the nascent LNG industry, which has faced some regulatory hurdles as it tries to get work started.
But on February 11, it looked as if something might finally begin. On that day, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) released an environmental report of the PNW LNG project, proposed just south of Rupert on Lelu Island. The report stated the construction and operation of an LNG terminal would have some effects on porpoises, and increase greenhouse-gas emissions – but it would not have an impact on the important salmon population.
The Prince Rupert & District Chamber of Commerce applauded the report in a press release, and later officially supported the project. It then held a special luncheon on March 1, with the topic being “Responsible LNG Development in the Prince Rupert Harbour.”
“Part of the reason for the event was to explain why we endorsed the project,” says Chamber vice-president Keith Lambourne, who also emceed the luncheon. “But part of it was also to get some different voices in the same room, voices that may not have been heard yet.”
After the traditional greeting from Lax Kw’alaams hereditary chief Alex Campbell, one speaker after another talked about the importance of responsible development, of balancing environmental concerns with economic necessity.
Clifford White, chief councillor of Gitxaala, spoke about his conversations with LNG proponents and how his people think how people seven generations into the future will be affected, before making important decisions. Glen Edwards, president of the local longshoreman’s union, talked about how responsible development of Rupert’s container port led to a huge increase in local employment.
City Councillor Blair Mirau talked about how he grew up in the dark days of Rupert after the closure of the pulp mill, and looked to future growth possibilities with a sense of hope. And James Witzke, a biologist with the Tsimshian Environmental Stewardship Authority, talked about the extensive modelling they’ve undertaken, and the conditions they want to see attached to the project.
At the end, Lambourne implored all attendees to submit their comments to the CEAA before the public-comment period ends on March 11.
– Simone Clark is Manager of Communications of the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 250-624-2296 or simone@princerupertchamber.ca.