Coastal GasLink Winds Down Ahead of Spring

TC Energy subsidiary Coastal GasLink (CGL) is winding down work on the line that will bring gas from northeast British Columbia to LNG Canada's plant on BC’s northern coast, it said March 26. Spring is bringing the thaw, limiting work on the 670-km line to Kitimat.

“Over the past weeks, Coastal GasLink has been reducing our workforce numbers across northern British Columbia, to approximately 400 by the end of last week from 1,200 in February,” CGL said in a statement posted to its website. “During the week of March 30, the workforce ramp-down will conclude in advance of the spring thaw, as we have now completed our winter construction program.”

Through the spring break-up period, CGL will continue to employ local residents and contractors – including many from First Nations along the pipeline right-of-way – to ensure construction sites are secure and perform critical activities, including environmental monitoring, pipe delivery and stockpiling. Local contractors will perform some off right-of-way site preparation and maintenance in areas not impacted by the spring thaw.

In light of the current situation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, CGL says it isn’t yet certain when construction work will continue after the spring pause.

“Our teams will continue to monitor the Covid-19 situation closely and consult with appropriate health and government authorities before re-commencement of construction, to ensure the safety and health of our workforce, our local indigenous partners, and local communities,” it said. CGL is a subsidiary of TC Energy.