Olefins urges those in support of petrochemical plant to speak up 

Do we have a community that wants this project or not? 

That was the first question posed by Ken James, CEO Of West Coast Olefins, who are proposing a $5.6 billion Natural Gas Liquids Recovery and Ethylene Plant project for Prince George. 

Olefins opened up the project to community engagement at the Uda Dune Baiyoh Hall this afternoon (Wednesday), and James began with stressing the importance of input from Prince George residents.   

“Feedback is in two areas for us; the silent majority, the Canadian thing where we are in support but we don’t say anything – I think it’s important that if you’re in support of us to be vocal and participate in the conversation.” 

“If you have concerns, it’s equally important. So we really encourage everyone to participate. If the concerns that are raised can be addressed then I think we can get everybody on side, and if they can’t, that’s the way projects need to go.”     

The Open House to present details of the West Coast Olefins Ltd. proposed $5.6 billion Natural Gas Liquids Recovery and Ethylene Plant project, planned for the @CityofPG , is about to begin @ReporterCole pic.twitter.com/MnDdiCuYiu

— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) August 7, 2019

James said they are looking at an “aggressive timeline” on the project, including a financial investment decision by the end of 2020.

He added for those transitioning out of the forestry sector some of the jobs will be transferable like for those who work in water treatment and steam boiler systems in the pulp mills and refineries. They are also in talks with CNC and UNBC to make sure the schools have the right training programs to educate people to work in the facilities. 

Should the project get approval, the plant would begin operation by 2023, creating up to 1000 permanent jobs and thousands more in the construction phase.