Temporary Use Permit No. 76 - Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a Temporary Use Permit?

  Temporary Use Permits (TUPs) allow a use of land, on a temporary basis, not otherwise permitted in the Zoning Bylaw.  

  Temporary Use Permits (TUPs) allow a use of land, on a temporary basis, not otherwise permitted in the Zoning Bylaw. Conditions under which a temporary use may be allowed are established in the permit, including the site design and layout, and length of time the temporary use can occur.  

  A Temporary Use Permit is valid for a maximum of three years after it is issued and may be renewed once for an additional three years. 

• What does Temporary Use Permit No. 76 propose?

  Temporary Use Permit No. 76 proposes the temporary moorage of a vessel (Floatel) on District water lot (DISTRICT LOT 8296, GROUP 1) for the purpose of providing temporary workforce accommodation during the construction phase of the Woodfibre LNG project, along with the use of moorage and access infrastructure, and water treatment facilities, constructed by the applicant.   

• Who issues a Temporary Use Permit?

  District staff received and processes the application for Council’s consideration. Issuance of the TUP is at Council’s discretion. 

• Will public feedback be considered as part of the TUP issuance decision?

  Yes. Members of the public can review related application materials on the District’s website and have the opportunity to hear an overview of Temporary Use Permit No. 76 application considerations and provide their comments for Council’s consideration prior to making an issuance decision.  

• What can the public provide feedback on as part of the TUP process?

  Comments by members of the public should only relate to the proposed Temporary Use Permit. Everyone will be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard and no one should feel discouraged or prevented from making their views known.  

• How can the public provide feedback?

  The public can provide feedback in person or in writing. Learn more how to provide feedback on our TUP No. 76 public hearing page here.  

• Can I speak to general concerns regarding the WLNG and Fortis BC Eagle Mountain Pipeline projects?

  General comments about the projects will not be considered as part of the Temporary Use Permit No. 76 issuance decision.  

• How do I voice general concerns regarding impacts as a result of the WLNG project?

  The WLNG and EGP projects are regulated by local, Indigenous, provincial, and federal governments and related agencies, including the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) and the National Energy Board (NEB).   

  Regulatory responsibility for oil and gas activities in British Columbia is delegated to the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) (formerly the BC Oil and Gas Commission) through the Energy Resources Activities Act, which is BC’s regulatory framework for all oil and gas activities in the province. The BCER is an independent, single-window regulator for the natural gas industry, overseeing exploration and development, pipeline transportation, LNG facilities, and reclamation. 

  LNG facilities and oil and gas activities are also required to undergo an Environmental Assessment in BC, which is administered by the Environmental Assessment Office, and governed by the Environmental Assessment Act. 

  • Members of the public may voice any concerns about project impacts directly to the applicant and related regulators who provide various project approvals. Environmental Assessment Office: https://www.projects.eao.gov.bc.ca/contact 
  • BC Energy Regulator Permit and Conditions: https://www.bc-er.ca/contact/ 

• What is the District’s role in regulating the WLNG project?

  Legislation empowers, guides, limits, and affects local governments. BC’s Community Charter (CC) and the Local Government Act (LGA) define the core authority of local governments and guide decision-making. As part of its powers and responsibilities defined by the LGA and CC, the District of Squamish regulates land use and development within District boundaries. 

  The District’s role as a regulator for the WLNG and Fortis projects is guided by the LGA and CC and includes the issuance of development-related permits and work permits associated with the construction and development activities for the projects. 

  In addition to permits issuance, the District has legislative authority to enter into various agreements to offset associated economic, environmental, and social impacts arising from projects. Forms of agreements can include Service Agreements, Revitalization Tax Exemption Agreements, and Community Benefit Agreements. 

  While WLNG and FortisBC are required to consult with the District of Squamish on various management plans and technical reports as outlined in EAC Conditions, the District does NOT have approval authority over such plans or reports. 

  For more information about the project please visit https://squamish.ca/woodfibre-liquefied-natural-gas-and-fortisbceagle-mountain-pipeline.