Photo Courtesy West Coast Olefins

By Caden Fanshaw

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Westcoast Olefins moving multi-billion dollar project back to Prince George

Dec 15, 2020 | 7:22 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Prince George’s economy could see a big boost, thanks to a multi-billion dollar investment from Westcoast Olefins for a new petrochemical complex in the BCR Industrial site.

CEO & President of Westcoast Olefins, Ken James broke the news on the BCRC Show via Facebook Live, saying the company has decided to rethink the plan to move the $5.6 billion dollar project into McLeod Lake, instead choosing Prince George as the location.

James says that he knows there will be uncertainty, but says this will be an excellent way to bring the economy in Prince George to a new level.

“A large part will be working with local contractors,” says James. “Another part will be more consultation and negotiation with indigenous in the area.”

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In a press release, the company says they have decided to move their project back into the city as the group who opposed the project will only be appeased if it was cancelled altogether.

Further reason for the move includes complications with the Treaty Agreements with First Nations, a ruling affirmed by the BC Court of Appeal.

That decision the company says complicates the use of crown land in the McLeod Lake Indian Band’s traditional territory.

The project previously left Prince George as concerns were raised about the city’s airshed being impacted by the plant. It is not something those who spoke up are forgetting about with Dr. Marie Hay making it known, “[West Coast Olefins] ain’t seen nothing yet.”

Dr. Hay says various groups have held discussions regarding what further action can be done to show their disagreement. She would not, however, share those details.

James expects construction of the project to begin in early 2022. Once all three phases are complete on the complex, they are expected to employ approximately 1,000 people.