2017 NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. System Expansion Project

The proposed 2017 NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. System Expansion project (NGTL 2017) consists of the construction and operation of new gas pipeline facilities in northern Alberta as part of the existing NGTL System. The expansion would include five new and separate pipeline section loops, totaling 230 kilometres, and the addition of two compression facilities.

The NGTL 2017 project is subject to a review by the NEB under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 and the National Energy Board Act. The National Energy Board submitted a recommendation report to the Minister of Natural Resources on June 1, 2016.
More information about the proponent’s NGTL 2017 project can be found here and the review by the NEB can be found here.

To guide the Government of Canada’s decision-making on this project, the following measures are being taken in accordance with the principles the Government has announced.

The Government of Canada will:

Undertake deeper consultations with Indigenous peoples

The Crown recognizes that Indigenous groups are partners in developing Canada’s resources and is committed to fulfilling its duty to consult in a meaningful and responsive manner. Following the release of the recommendations report by the NEB, the Major Projects Management Office will lead whole-of-government consultations with Indigenous groups to discuss the report, and any outstanding concerns they may have with respect to the project.

Budget 2016 proposes to provide $16.5 million over three years, starting in 2016–17, to the National Energy Board, Natural Resources Canada and Transport Canada to support public and Indigenous participation in enhanced consultations related to this project and other projects undergoing reviews by the National Energy Board and to support Crown consultations with Indigenous peoples. Funding provided to the National Energy Board will be fully cost-recovered from industry.

View the Crown Consultation and Accommodation Report for the 2017 NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. System Expansion Project. [PDF - 954 KB]

Facilitate further public engagement

To help facilitate expanded public input on the NGTL 2017 project, an online questionnaire was made available to provide views on the project. View the results of the NGTL Questionnaire Report. [PDF - 1,713 KB]

Assess the upstream greenhouse gas emissions associated with this project and make this information public

Environment and Climate Change Canada is conducting an upstream greenhouse gas assessment for the NGTL 2017 project, a draft of which has been posted for public comment. After review and consideration of public comments, a final assessment will be posted.

Extension to the legislated time limit for the Government’s decision on the project

To provide sufficient time for these measures, the Minister of Natural Resources intends to seek an extension of two months to the Government’s legislated decision-making time limit (to five months in total).