Energy Development
There are several proposals for pipeline projects from the Alberta tar sands to Canada's North Pacific Coast (most notably the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project). The pipelines would fill tankers putting British Columbia's coastal waters at risk of a major oil spill for the first time. These pipelines are not essential, but are designed to bring crude oil to markets in Asia and the west coast of the United States, rather than through the existing infrastructure from Alberta to the central US.
Investigations and plans for the development of renewable energy infrastructure, including on- and offshore wind farms (e.g. the NaiKun wind energy project between Haida Gwaii and Prince Rupert) and tidal energy are also underway on the Pacific North Coast.
There are currently no active plans for offshore oil and gas development in the region. Following public hearings a few years ago, the federal government has decided to maintain a moratorium on offshore oil and gas development for the time being.
To see maps of potential energy development in B.C. waters, visit the Ocean Energy pages of the Marine Atlas of Pacific Canada.
Concerns
History has shown that oil spills come with oil tankers. It is not a question of if a spill will happen, but when. The waters of Canada's North Pacific Coast are known for severe storms and navigational challenges. When the inevitable major oil spill occurs, it will devastate the creatures, cultures and communities of our coast for generations. To see what is at risk visit Oil and Water - Navigate the Facts - an interactive map that highlights the natural riches and human uses of the area and illustrates damage that will occur.
The Province of British Columbia has asked the federal government to lift the moratorium on offshore oil and gas development on Canada's North Pacific Coast. The position of the federal government is unclear at this time, but preceding governments believed significant research was needed to fill scientific gaps before making a decision. The consequences of allowing offshore oil and gas in coastal waters could potentially be devastating.
A recent publication from Living Oceans Society, Who pays for oil spills in Canadian waters?, shows that Canadian taxpayers could be on the hook for a large portion of the cleanup and compensation costs of such spills.
The impacts of wind and tidal energy local populations of marine species will also need to be assessed as part of a comprehensive plan for Canada's North Pacific Coast.
