Directors with the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine raised significant concerns after hearing a report on Alberta’s proposed concept for a new oil pipeline to British Columbia’s west coast.
According to Ron Poole, who represented the Government of Alberta, the province intends to make a submission to the federal Major Projects Office on July 1, 2026, on its intention to build a West Coast Oil Pipeline.
Poole said the submission will not be an application but just a way for the government to consult and hear comments from the community.
A report said Alberta views the project as being in Canada’s national interest, citing energy security, expanded access to global markets, economic growth, and public revenues.
In addition, the report suggested that the pipeline would be co-owned by Indigenous nations and represent a world-class pipeline project with possible routes to ownership, jobs, training, contracting, and procurement.
However, most of the discussion was based on whether there will be sufficient benefits for British Columbia and northwestern communities.
Some directors wondered if Alberta would benefit more economically while British Columbia would face the environmental, maritime, and infrastructure consequences of the project.
Other board members expressed worries over the potential risks of spills, increased tanker traffic, effects on the rivers, salmon habitat, coastal environments, and cumulative effects of other industries already being planned for the area.
Some directors felt that any future consultations must involve municipalities and not just regional districts.
Others said if a project were ever to proceed, there would need to be clear revenue sharing, meaningful local benefits, and strong environmental protections.
Poole said comments from the board would be taken back as part of Alberta’s submission development process.
The report said Alberta started its consultations with indigenous communities in the fall of 2025, with the intent to file a proposal to the Major Project Office by July.
Any future pipeline would still face significant political, environmental, and other obstacles before construction could begin.
