Squamish Council Rejects Woodfibre LNG's Permit for 600-Worker 'Floatel'

The District of Squamish council has voted down a plan by Woodfibre LNG Ltd. to use a renovated cruise ship to house more than 600 workers for its liquefied natural gas facility near Squamish, British Columbia. The council voted 3-4 against granting a one-year temporary use permit for the so-called 'floatel', citing concerns about the safety of women and girls, traffic issues, waste management, and potential natural hazards.

Woodfibre LNG had intended for workers to start living on the ship this spring on the shores of Howe Sound, outside Squamish. The company wanted to use the vessel, which had previously sheltered Ukrainian refugees, to house workers during the construction of the LNG facility. However, the council's decision has dealt a setback to these plans.

Mayor Armand Hurford proposed a motion to approve a one-year permit with the possibility of a three-year renewal, but this was rejected. Councillors who voted against the proposal expressed a lack of information and sufficient safeguards to protect the community from negative social impacts. "There are so many unknowns in Woodfibre LNG's application, which is missing key information the community needs to make an informed decision," said Tracey Saxby, executive director of the advocacy group My Sea to Sky.

The council heard that 92% of public feedback opposed the floatel plan, and that about half of those who spoke in favor were directly financially benefiting from the project. Councillor Lauren Greenlaw raised concerns about the lack of measures to address the safety of women and girls in the community.

Why this matters: The rejection of Woodfibre LNG's temporary use permit for the floatel highlights the ongoing tensions between industrial development and community concerns in Squamish. The decision underscores the importance of addressing safety, environmental, and social impacts when planning large-scale projects in close proximity to communities.

While the Woodfibre LNG project itself has received approvals from the provincial and federal governments, as well as the Squamish Nation, the council's decision was focused specifically on the floating work camp. The advocacy group My Sea to Sky criticized Woodfibre LNG for bringing the vessel into B.C. waters without the district's approval and said the company's application lacked key information needed for the community to make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

• Squamish council rejected Woodfibre LNG's plan to use a 'floatel' to house 600+ workers.
• Concerns cited: safety of women/girls, traffic, waste, natural hazards, lack of information.
• Woodfibre LNG had intended to use the vessel, previously housing Ukrainian refugees.
• Mayor's motion for 1-year permit with 3-year renewal was rejected due to community concerns.
• Decision highlights tensions between industrial development and community impacts in Squamish.