B.C. government fast-tracks $2-billion Tilbury LNG expansion in Delta
Energy Minister Adrian Dix exempted FortisBC from standard permitting, allowing the marine refuelling facility expansion to proceed with 1,100 construction jobs and $260 million in tax revenue.
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The British Columbia government is fast-tracking a $2-billion expansion of the Tilbury LNG facility in Delta, exempting FortisBC from standard permitting to accelerate the project.
Energy Minister Adrian Dix issued an order-in-council exempting the utility company from needing a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the B.C. Utilities Commission — a step normally required before expanding a public utility plant. Dix said skipping that approval will save time and clear the way for investments, create 1,100 jobs during construction, and generate $260 million in tax revenues.
The Tilbury site has operated since 1971 as a natural gas storage facility for peak-demand use. It's now producing liquefied natural gas for vessels and working with the Vancouver Port Authority to develop marine refuelling services.
Dix framed the expansion as a climate and competitiveness move. "LNG is significantly cleaner than conventional marine fuels such as diesel, and the expansion will play a role in decarbonizing domestic and global shipping," he said. "What we are talking about here is action that will bring prosperity and progress to the province, improve our emissions reductions, improve the competitiveness of our port and invest in B.C. at a time when surely that is important for our province."
The facility already supplies Seaspan Ferries and BC Ferries. The expansion aims to position Vancouver as a leading LNG marine fuelling hub on North America's West Coast.
David Hutchins, CEO of Fortis Inc, said the Tilbury expansion supports goods movement and trade through Vancouver, and builds on partnerships with government and First Nations. "Tilbury increases the utilization of our energy system, which helps lower costs for our customers, while supporting the economic growth and trade through our largest Canadian port."
Construction could start by mid-2027, with operation beginning as early as 2031. The project remains subject to all other applicable regulatory approvals and permitting requirements.
A second proposed expansion, Tilbury Phase 2, continues through B.C.'s environmental assessment process with public comment open until July 27, 2026. A decision on Phase 2 is anticipated in late 2026.
The facts
How much is the Tilbury LNG expansion in Delta costing?
The British Columbia government is fast-tracking a $2-billion expansion of the Tilbury LNG facility in Delta.
How many construction jobs will the Tilbury expansion create?
The expansion will create 1,100 jobs during construction.
When could construction start at Tilbury?
Construction could start by mid-2027, with operation beginning as early as 2031.
Why did the B.C. government exempt FortisBC from standard permitting?
Energy Minister Adrian Dix exempted FortisBC from needing a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the B.C. Utilities Commission to save time and accelerate the project, which will generate $260 million in tax revenues and support decarbonizing marine shipping.
