Series GR-2981 - Coquitlam Watershed pipeline inquiry (B.C.)

The Coquitlam Watershed pipeline inquiry was established under the Inquiry Act by Order in Council 759/1989. Douglas L. MacKay was appointed commissioner. The commission was tasked to inquire into and report upon all matters associated with the application by Pacific Coast Energy Corporation (PCEC) for the routing, construction, and operation of the Vancouver Island Natural Gas Pipeline through the Coquitlam Watershed and alternatives to this route. Six pipeline routes were compared for length, environmental impact, construction requirements, and cost. The commission's activities consisted of information gathering and consultation with the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC), the Pacific Coast Energy Corporation, and the Greater Vancouver Water District (GVWD)/Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD). Public hearings were held in Burnaby between 22 June and 24 July 1989. The final report, Report of the Coquitlam Watershed Pipeline Inquiry, was submitted on 31 July 1989.

Submissions were heard from 12 municipalities, two First Nations, two ratepayers’ associations, and more than 30 other individuals, companies, and organizations during the six days of hearings. The GVWD and PCEC also presented to, consulted with, and shared information with the inquiry’s advisors on technical aspects of the route comparison. The Coquitlam Watershed route was ultimately recommended with the proviso that stringent water quality protection and construction standards and procedures were implemented to prevent contamination of the water supply during construction, operation, and maintenance of the pipeline.