Federal government approves FortisBC’s Tilbury LNG expansion under one-project, one-review principle

The federal government has approved FortisBC’s expansion of the Tilbury LNG facility in Delta, B.C., saying the project’s potential adverse effects are justified by its benefits. The approval under the one-project, one-review principle came immediately after the province issued an environmental assessment certificate for the project on Tilbury Island in the Fraser River.

The Tilbury Phase 2 project would add a large storage tank and equipment capable of producing up to 7,700 tonnes of liquefied natural gas a day. The province says construction could generate 6,200 full-time-equivalent years of employment, create 100 permanent jobs and contribute up to $1.7 billion to provincial GDP during construction.

Federal Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin said the project demonstrates how to create jobs and grow the economy while protecting the environment and advancing reconciliation. Energy Minister Tim Hodgson called the approval a step toward building major nation-building projects faster, saying the expansion will provide cleaner fuel for BC Ferries, strengthen Canada’s energy security and create economic opportunities for British Columbians.

B.C. has said the expansion could help meet growing LNG demand at the Port of Vancouver and improve fuel access for vessels travelling along the coast and across the Pacific. The environmental assessment certificate carries 18 legally binding conditions concerning air quality, wildlife protection, greenhouse-gas reduction, health and emergency planning, and ongoing monitoring of impacts on First Nations. The Environmental Assessment Office sought consensus with 12 Indigenous nations and informed 13 other Indigenous groups of key milestones.

The project has faced opposition within the B.C. government. In July, Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Kelly Greene said she was disappointed with FortisBC’s decision to proceed, citing safety concerns raised by people in her community. Greene said her opposition predated her election to the legislature and had not changed. NDP Premier David Eby said his government is a “big tent” that allows Greene to criticize the plan.

The assessment process began in February 2020 and was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the province. FortisBC submitted a revised application in February 2026.