Several British Columbia First Nations groups signed project agreements concerning TransCanada’s Coastal GasLink Pipeline project, TransCanada Corp. said June 29.

The Wet’suwet’en First Nation; Skin Tyee Nation; Nee-Tahi-Buhn Band; Yekooche First Nation; Doig River First Nation; and Halfway River First Nation in the northern part of the province signed agreements concerning the project, which crosses traditional and treaty territories.

A 670-kilometer natural gas pipeline will run from the Groundbirch area near Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to the proposed LNG Canada liquefied natural gas export facility near Kitimat, also in the province.

The Coastal GasLink pipeline is part of TransCanada’s CA$46 billion capital growth plan, which includes more than CA$13 billion in proposed gas pipeline projects supporting the British Columbia coast’s emerging LNG industry. About 32% of the CA$4.8 billion project will be spent in the province.

More than 2,000 local jobs will be created during Coastal GasLink construction, and there will be about CA$20 million in annual property taxes. To date, more than CA$38 million has already been spent in the northern portion of the province—and CA$1.5 million has been invested in community initiatives along the proposed route.

To date, 27% of the more than 300,000 hours of fieldwork were done by First Nations members. Thus, local knowledge has influenced routing, site-specific mitigation plans and other pipeline design.

“These agreements reinforce the strong relationships we have built with these First Nations communities, and demonstrate their willingness to participate in the many benefits this project will bring to their people, both today and well into the future,” said Rick Gateman, president, Coastal GasLink Pipeline project.

“This isn’t a choice between economics and culture, environment and a traditional way of life for First Nations communities. These agreements highlight how First Nations communities can enjoy the economic benefits of the project while continuing to live their way of life.”

TransCanada Corp. is based in Calgary, Alberta.