NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Towerbirch Expansion Project

The proposed NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Towerbirch Expansion project (Towerbirch) consists of the construction of 87 km of new gas pipelines and associated facilities in northwest Alberta and northeast British Columbia. 

The Towerbirch project was subject to an environmental assessment by the NEB under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 and a review by the NEB under the National Energy Board Act. The National Energy Board will submit a recommendation report to the Minister of Natural Resources by the end of September 2016.

More information about the Towerbirch project can be found here and the review by the NEB can be found here.

To guide its decision-making on the NEB recommendation, the Government of Canada are taking the following three measures in accordance with principles announced in January 2016.

1. 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 on the report, and the project. The MPMO will also take stock of any outstanding concerns Indigenous groups may have with respect to the project.

Budget 2016 approved $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.

2. Facilitate further public engagement

To help facilitate expanded public input on the Towerbirch project, an online questionnaire is available for anyone who wishes to provide views on the project.

3. 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 Towerbirch project, a draft of which will be posted for public comment during the fall of 2016. After review and consideration of public comments, a final assessment will be posted.

For more information on this process please contact nrcan.towerbirch.rncan@canada.ca