Squamish council will review a proposed development permit amendment for the Woodfibre LNG facility, which seeks approval for design changes to several buildings at the WLNG’s industrial site, according to a council report.
The proposed adjustments include modifying four previously approved buildings and adding two new ones to the layout.
According to a report from the District of Squamish Community Development department, the amendment updates elements of a form and character permit that council approved in 2023.
The changes were requested as WLNG advanced its facility design and conducted additional geotechnical investigations, which led to an alternative layout intended to improve site efficiency and meet current industry requirements.
The updated plans affect the Controls and Operations, Administration, Warehouse, Vehicle Shelter, and Chemical Storage buildings. The amendment includes changes to each building’s location, size, and orientation.
Two additional buildings are proposed: an Instrument Air Enclosure, to house air dryer equipment that was originally planned to remain outdoors, and a High Voltage Switchyard building, to enclose electrical equipment now required to be sheltered for safety and operational reasons.
Staff note that the overall design maintains the same industrial architectural style approved under the original permit, which applied to five buildings at the Woodfibre site. Other structures and equipment on the property fall under the jurisdiction of the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) and are exempt from municipal permitting.
To minimize disruption to local wildlife, WLNG has committed to using green-colored exterior lighting, which is generally less attractive to birds than standard white light.
