Coastal GasLink pipeline 80 per cent complete

VANCOUVER — The Coastal GasLink pipeline is 80 per cent complete and TC Energy expects construction to end this time next year.

As of December, 470 kilometres of pipe has been installed on the 670 kilometre long route; more than 6,000 workers have been on the ground resulting in 38 million hours worked; and more than $1 billion has been awarded to local and Indigenous businesses, states a project update on the Coastal GasLink website.

Of the 20 First Nations along the project route, 16 have signed on as 10 per cent equity partners and $11 million has been invested in local communities.

The project site attributes the fast pace of construction to collaboration with workers, Indigenous people in British Columbia, local communities and various levels of government.

Once completed, the project will pay $21 million in annual property tax.

“When we bring our world-class energy expertise and collaborate with Indigenous and local communities, we can deliver the energy the world needs while also protecting the environment, respecting local values and advancing Indigenous reconciliation,” said Coastal GasLink president Bevin Wirzba in the project update.

“That is a future we are looking forward to and one we are building each and every day on Coastal GasLink.”