Graham Construction chosen for Woodfibre LNG site work

SQUAMISH, B.C. — Graham Construction has been chosen by Woodfibre LNG to carry out “crucial work” at the Swíy’at (Woodfibre site).

“Woodfibre LNG is pleased to be advancing remediation work at our site,” said company president Christine Kennedy in a statement. “We are following through on our commitment to prioritize local benefits and minimize impacts. Selecting Graham Construction signals our intention to fulfil that commitment through construction and into operations.”

According to a release, the contractor was chosen in part because of its strong links to Squamish Nation.
This current phase of work involves the final stages of cleaning-up the previous pulp and paper mill.

In operation for nearly 100 years, the mill left behind infrastructure that needs to be assessed and decommissioned to ensure safety and environmental compliance, the release reads.
Graham will conduct onshore work and will manage clean-up, including the removal and recycling of old concrete, rebar and rail ties.

A major undertaking of Graham’s activities will be closing the mill’s landfill, which will involve containing affected soil and groundwater and planting it over with vegetation.

The company aims to hire local suppliers, including the use of Squamish vendors for barging, water taxi, waste bins, surveying and vacuum trucks. Hiring priority will be given for construction labourers and equipment operator positions to Squamish Nation members and Squamish residents.

“This important project is an exciting example of a long-term collaboration between Nch’ kay Development Corporation and Graham. We are proud to contribute to the rich and resilient culture of Squamish Nation,” said Cecil Dawe, Graham’s executive vice president of industrial.

Woodfibre LNG’s current phase of work is expected to continue until late summer 2023.

There will be no more than 50 workers at site at peak, and measurable impacts on housing or traffic are not anticipated.

Individuals working at site live in Squamish, will stay in local hotels, or will commute from Vancouver’s North Shore, the release continues.