Two former Squamish mayors who led the district during the development and approval of the Woodfibre LNG project have written a joint letter to government ministers raising concerns about regulatory enforcement, expansion plans, and the health impacts of the oil and gas sector.
Patricia Heintzman, who served as mayor from 2014 to 2018, and Karen Elliott, who served from 2018 to 2022, said they had refrained from commenting during the construction phase but felt compelled to speak out in light of recent developments.
The letter cites Fortis BC’s failure to comply with permit conditions by exceeding contamination limits in local waterways for almost a year, from November 2024 to October 2025, with only a warning letter and no enforcement from the BC Energy Regulator. It also points to increased powerline requirements by BC Hydro to supply electricity to the facility, and calls for an independent assessment of the health impacts of the oil and gas sector.
The former mayors also cite a recent admission by Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, who told investors at CERAWeek on March 24 that Woodfibre LNG has ambitions to double and triple its production. Heintzman and Elliott said they had regular contact with Woodfibre LNG, Fortis BC, and provincial and federal ministers throughout their terms, and that no one disclosed those ambitions despite their repeated questions about the project’s long-term vision.
The letter, they wrote, is intended as a reminder of the project’s “complicated and often divisive history” in Squamish and of the need for senior orders of government to rebuild public trust through transparency, honest disclosure of development goals, and enforcement with real consequences.
Should have been titled “ sir head one and two “ write letters
The two mayors have been anti LNG and anything and anyone that wishes to add value and employment o our town, They need to step aside and keep silent as the balance or citizens and others look after what they both failed to do when in power.
Hey Bill, Fortis BC and Woodfibre have had many noncompliances that affect the environment and to this day not one fine or repremand of any kind.
This rubber stamped project has been corrupt since day one and Christy Clark and Rich Coleman the money laundering scoundrels are to blame.
Howe Sound will not survive this.
“They need to keep silent”? These ladies pay their taxes just like you and me Bill- they’re entitled to their opinion.
Don’t be a bully Billy.
I totally agree
Agree
My name Cory Jacob lewis found historical documents that the Harry family and Ian cambell family forged documents void amalgamation under section 17 stole the lewis family hereditary rights every deal made in the Squamish nation is false authority intent to defraud risk of deprivation complete breach matrix..I have to go represent my self because the mob has enforcement not to deal with the lewis family hereditary rights of Squamish..Dale Harry and the ian cambell are false authority
I agree with Bill. Previous 2 mayors were also a joke for Squamish so is Hurfurd. We need a change of council with more experience.