Environment minister approves Tilbury Phase 2 LNG expansion under federal conditions
Published · Updated
What happened
The Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature issued the federal decision statement for the Tilbury Phase 2 LNG Expansion Project, allowing the project to proceed subject to conditions. The project would expand the existing FortisBC LNG facility in Delta, British Columbia, by increasing liquefaction and storage capacity.
Why it matters
The decision changes the project's status from pending federal review to approved-with-conditions, reducing one source of regulatory uncertainty around LNG infrastructure on Canada's West Coast. It also creates a near-term implementation phase in which permit sequencing, compliance terms, and potential legal or political challenges will determine whether construction timelines hold.
On September 21, 2026, Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin issued a decision statement for FortisBC's Tilbury Phase 2 LNG Expansion Project in Delta, British Columbia, finding that adverse effects within federal jurisdiction are justified in light of the project's benefits. The ruling clears a federal impact assessment hurdle for an expansion that would increase liquefaction and storage capacity at the existing Tilbury LNG facility. The decision moves the project from federal approval into implementation and compliance, with follow-on implications for provincial permits, Indigenous consultation management, and regional gas and marine logistics.
Watch for
Impact Assessment Agency of Canada publication of the Tilbury Phase 2 decision statement conditions and compliance requirements on or after 2026-09-22 FortisBC filing or public statement on final investment timing, procurement, or construction sequencing by 2026-09-25 British Columbia Energy Regulator or provincial environmental authorities confirmation of next required provincial permits or amendments by 2026-09-25 Tsawwassen First Nation, Musqueam Indian Band, or other directly affected Indigenous governments announcing support, conditions, or legal objections by 2026-09-25
Sources
- Impact Assessment Act · canada.ca
- Tilbury LNG expansion · fortisbc.com
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