BC Resources Coalition 2021 - Inaugural

NEW TRANSLOAD FACILITY PLANNED FOR TERRACE

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IN THIS ISSUE 6 Message from BCRC President 7 BCRC Board of Directors 8 About the BCRC 10 New transload facility planned for Terrace 12 Canadian Construction Women:

Promoting careers for women in trades

14 B.C.'s forestry industry has big economic impact and

supports a better quality of life for British Columbians

16 Hardwood timber potential in Northern B.C. 18 Completion of the Murray River Horizontal Directional Drill

sets a new record for Coastal Gaslink

20 CP's Hydrogen Locomotive Program powered by

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MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT

PAUL TIEFENSEE What a fantastic year for the BC Resources Coalition (BCRC)! Despite the economic uncertainty caused by the unfortunate COVID-19 pandemic, our dedicated members of the BCRC have managed to find great success in our objective to promote and advocate for the B.C. natural resource sector. With this first publication of the BCRC magazine, it marks yet another important milestone as we strive to have our message broadcast throughout the province.

Since the BCRC’s inception in January of 2020, our commitment has been to advocate for sustainable use of the natural resources available within British Columbia through community, government, and Indigenous engagement and consultation. Our mission, to promote the development and implementation of world-class environmental stewardship and manufacturing technologies. Our objective, to have local and provincial governing bodies, enact legislation for the protection and sovereignty of B.C.’s natural resources. Our goal, to see industry and commerce flourish in B.C. by creating a viable and diverse hub of opportunity for investors and residents through continued and sustainable development of B.C.’s natural resources.

To date we have been working to promote our message through use of social media platforms, with great success of our Facebook live show, “The BCRC Show.” We have also been busy publishing podcasts, blogs, and numerous other posts providing industry updates and information. Our presence on these platforms continues to gather momentum and through our supporters we are building a strong voice for responsible, industry minded British Columbians province wide. Capitalizing on this impetus and through engagement with environmental and Indigenous stakeholders, we hope to attract meaningful discussion with local and provincial government to adopt “B.C. First Policies” and remove barriers for existing and future project development.

As we continue to grow it is important to recognize those that contributed to our current accomplishments. There have been no small efforts in starting a registered not-for-profit like the BCRC and possibly even more difficult, is holding that momentum. Special thank you to our volunteers; all our achievements of the past year are to your credit.

As a registered not-for-profit society, the BCRC is funded by membership fees from individual and corporate members who believe in the causes of the BCRC and want to show their support. Thank you to those of you that have and continue to support the BCRC. Should you wish to become a member, visit our website www.thebcrc.ca. If a membership is not an option for you, please show your support by following us on the social media platform of your preference.

We are excited for another year, standing up for B.C.’s Natural Resource Industry!

Sincerely,

Paul Tiefensee

6 BC RESOURCES COALITION 2021

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Advocating for value-added use of British Columbia's natural resources while preserving our environment.

OFFICERS

DIRECTORS AT LARGE

President – Paul Tiefensee

Darren Heggelund • Ryan Yorston • Rob Bernat

Vice President – Grant Purdue

Dan Rae • Steve Visona

Treasurer – Kyle Bloom

Cole Devereux • Alex Burkinshaw

Secretary – Dean Aussem

Rob Teetaert • Rick Zemlak

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ABOUT THE B.C. RESOURCE COALITION The B.C. Resource Coalition advocates for the sustainable development of natural resources in British Columbia while preserving our environment. We believe in the responsible management of our natural resources to create jobs for current and future generations. We work through communities, Indigenous organizations, and governments to promote engagement of all stakeholders. We promote the development of world-class environmental stewardship,

manufacturing technologies, and education. Our goal is to ensure we have strong local and provincial legislation for the protection and sovereignty of B.C.’s natural resource value-added sector to develop a diverse industrial hub in the resource industry.

Visit us online at www.thebcrc.ca, follow us on social media, or watch an episode of The BCRC Show on YouTube. p

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2021 BC RESOURCES COALITION 9

NEW TRANSLOAD FACILITY PLANNED FOR TERRACE, B.C. Project located at former sawmill site within the city limit

By James Rose Progressive Ventures’ NSD Inland

project cargoes, and accommodate

Port and Developments (NSD) is

activities such as container stuffing

scheduled to begin construction on a

and de-stuffing, container storage,

new transload facility next summer,

logistics management, cross-docking,

with a grand opening planned for

and other transport-related services.

the fall of 2022. The Terrace-based project will be located at the former location of the Skeena Cellulose sawmill, which was closed for good and torn down in 2007.

“The second component to the project is to develop adjacent lands on the property for mixed-use commercial and light industrial properties,” says Hatha Callis, project general

The primary component of the

manager. Progressive Ventures

project is for Progressive Ventures

took possession of the land in 2009

to build, own, and operate a new

and began lining up the necessary

transload facility on the 44 acres of

permits and approvals. In June 2021,

land already plugged into the CN Rail

Terrace City Council passed the third

track. With increased investment

reading of the site’s rezoning, and

into new natural resource and

it created a new zoning specifically

energy export projects and high

for the project to accommodate both

demand for more industrial services

light and heavy industrial use. “The

in the region, NSD will provide

City of Terrace drafted a new zoning

a new connection between local

which is much more specific to

businesses and major projects with

transloading, logistics, and a variety

national and international supply

of industrial uses to support what we

and logistics chains serviced by rail.

are trying to do,” says Callis.

The project will build upon Terrace’s

“Although the zoning is past the

reputation as the service hub

third reading, the project itself hasn’t

for northwest B.C. and facilitate

yet formally been approved,” says

the region’s ability to do business

Callis. “Council’s final approval is

efficiently with trade partners

pending one more approval from

worldwide. The transload facility will

the B.C. Ministry of Transportation.”

be used to store rail cars, transload

Beyond municipal approvals, the

containers, bulk materials, and

only remaining regulatory hoops

10 BC RESOURCES COALITION 2021

to jump for the project is obtaining approval from the Ministry of the Environment for remediation work.

The nearest transload facility that directly compares to NSD is located in Prince George. “The break-even distance to justify the cost of using our transload between Terrace and Prince Rupert given the short distance is 500 kilometres,” says Callis. “Going by rail between Terrace and Prince Rupert only makes sense to reduce congestion.”

But that’s not to say there isn’t another transload facility in the Terrace area. On Kitsumkalum First Nation land there is a much larger scale transload facility that services a different market. “That facility is focused on larger scale translating with one hundred acres of land whereas we have about a quarter of that amount of land,” says Callis.

“You don’t have to cross Highway 16 to get into our site, so we’ll be apt for frequent servicing. For the most part, the two facilities will be complementary and we are working with them to ensure the two facilities work together.”

The idea to build a transload facility sprung from Progressive Ventures’

Concept image of the proposed NSD Inlands Port and Development Project (provided by NSD).

desire to drive down the cost for raw material and shipping. There are various businesses underneath the family-owned Progressive umbrella, including real estate development, trucking, construction, and welding/ fabrication. The company as a whole has close to two hundred employees and has been based in Terrace since the 1950s.

“Developing a new transload facility meant driving down the costs for our own companies but also for the greater Terrace area,” says Callis.

Once the facility is up and running, it will be of service to a broad and diverse range of existing players bringing bulk goods to the area.

There is also potential for a tie-in with the port of Prince Rupert.

“The port is constrained with

land space, so our facility could provide additional space to free up congestion,” says Callis. The interests of Progressive Venture line up well with what the City of Terrace is planning for driving economic growth. “Having rail access is a key component to attracting industrial base.”

the property for light industrial

The Terrace facility will also enable many local companies to bring in goods at far more competitive rates.

“There’s no reason a roofing and cladding company can’t bring in a rail car or two of materials,” says Callis. “Suppliers in the region will be able to bring their products to market at a much more cost-competitive rate.”

and drop deliver it to their adjacent

The second component of the project is to subdivide the front edge of

is complete and the facility is

businesses. “Some business who may build there may not have anything to do with transload, but then some will,” says Callis. The subdivided properties will be configured in a way to enable a business to bring in a railcar of goods for NSD to unload, “and then we can open the gate warehouse.” Upon completion, NSD promises to be a critical link in the northwest supply chain, making the Terrace region more vibrant from a business perspective.

The total capital investment for the project amounts to $15 million, and it will create up to twenty new full-time jobs once construction operational. p 2021 BC RESOURCES COALITION 11

EMPOWER. CONNECT. BUILD. Promoting careers in trades for women

Canadian Construction Women (CCW) is an organization that aims to inspire, promote, and support female participation in the construction and trades industry. The organization hosts events that provide opportunities for women to network, learn about local projects, and have a little fun.

Events include site tours, mentorship roundtables, professional development, and community involvement that bring a diverse group of women together and help highlight the opportunities a career in trades offers.

Although this year’s events are being held virtually, the CCW is committed to maintaining its connection with members and the community during the pandemic.

12 BC RESOURCES COALITION 2021

One of the mandates of the CCW is to provide opportunities for students by way of financial support. Each year, the CCW awards bursaries to women who are enrolled in any full-time construction-related credential program, trades-training program, or have graduated from a trades-training program within the last year and are seeking financial assistance with provisioning of tools and equipment related to her chosen trade.

In 2021, four bursaries in the amount of $1,000 each were awarded to women across the industry at varying points in their education.

One of the CCW award recipients decided that after 10 years of working in a desk-bound job, she wanted to take a leap of faith and change her life with a more engaging job that allowed her to use her creativity in a functional way. She is now in the process of completing the Joinery (Cabinetmaker) Foundation program

start her own business in the future.

at BCIT and is working toward earning her Red Seal qualification.

Once she reaches her goals, she plans to mentor apprentices and encourage others to enter her trade.

“We exist to attract and retain women in the industry,” says Kate Kirwan, president of CCW. “Through the efforts of government, industry,

Another award recipient is a student

and organizations like the Canadian

in her fourth and final year enrolled

Construction Women, there is a

in the Electrician Apprenticeship at

commitment to increasing women’s

the College of the Rockies. Working

representation in the field.”

in a trade where women are greatly

In 2022, the CCW will be awarding

underrepresented, she hopes to serve

four bursaries in the amount of

as an inspiration to others in her

$2,500 each. For more information

hometown. The recipient is working

about applying for a CCW bursary or

to create a balanced and inclusive

to learn more about the CCW, visit

work environment, and she hopes to

www.constructionwomen.org. p

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2021 BC RESOURCES COALITION 13

B.C.’S FOREST INDUSTRY HAS BIG ECONOMIC IMPACT AND SUPPORTS A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR BRITISH COLUMBIANS A new economic study released in April by the BC Council of Forest industries shows that B.C.’s forest industry continues to generate significant economic activity in every region of the province.

“Our agreement with Western Forest Products enables

“This study demonstrates again that B.C.’s forest products sector is an important part of the provincial economy, putting paychecks in people’s pockets, helping small businesses pay their bills and supporting a good quality of life for British Columbians,” says Susan Yurkovich, president and CEO, BC Council of Forest Industries. “The industry contributes to the well-being of communities from the Cariboo to the Northeast, from the Island to the Lower Mainland and Southwest part of our province, where nearly half the jobs supported by the forest sector are located.”

environmental stewardship that aligns with Huu-ay-aht’s

The study – Contributing to a Better B.C.: 2019 Forest Industry Economic Impact Study – confirmed that, in 2019, the provincial forest sector supported more than 100,000 jobs, generated over $13 billion in GDP and nearly $8.5 billion in wages, salaries, and benefits. The industry contributed over $4 billion in government revenue to support health, education, and other important social services. Additionally, the study found that between 2009 and 2019, forest industry companies invested about $14 billion in their B.C. operations.

“Forestry supports our families, and has provided great

“B.C.’s forest industry will continue to provide opportunities and benefits for British Columbians for decades to come,” says Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. “We look forward to continuing to work with First Nations, industry, labour, and communities to ensure a healthy, resilient sector.”

Included in the large workforce are over 5,300 Indigenous people who are directly employed in the industry, more than any other resource sector in B.C. Indigenous communities are also vital industry partners as owners and through business and stewardship partnerships.

14 BC RESOURCES COALITION 2021

Huu-ay-aht to have more jurisdiction over our traditional territory, strengthen the long-term sustainability of the forest sector in the Alberni Region, provide strong forestry guiding principles, and create more opportunities for First Nations, including our citizens,” says Chief Councillor Robert J. Dennis Sr., Huu-ay-aht First Nations.

In addition to jobs directly tied to forestry operation, thousands of B.C.-based companies – small, medium, and large – are in the business of supplying goods and services to the forest industry. “Forestry has been the backbone of our community for the last 80 years,” says Mayor Gerry Thiessen, District of Vanderhoof, Nechako Region. opportunities for young adults in their careers. Truly the forest industry has been our past, present and will be our future.”

The study found that other businesses across B.C., such as restaurants and corner stores, also rely on a healthy forest sector because workers employed by the forest product companies and industry suppliers spend their paychecks in their local communities, helping keep local businesses operating.

“The forest industry has not only been important to the business, but to our family too,” says Stephanie Bergen, who runs the Ideal Café in Campbell River with her family. “Forestry is what fed our family for many years.”

The BC Council of Forest Industries is the voice of the BC forest industry. Along with their members, they share a commitment to a future based on employee safety, sustainable forestry and manufacturing practices, and innovative product development. For more information or to read the economic study, please visit www.cofi.org. p

2019 Forest Industry Economic Impact Study

ECONOMIC IMPACT

SPEND

What We Found

$14 billion $13 billion to B.C.’s GDP

invested in B.C. operations over 10 years

100,000 good jobs for British Columbians

$8 billion

$4 billion

in wages, salaries & benefits

in government revenue to support health, education and more

KEY FACTS

B.C. Forest Products Industry Represents

1 in 25 of all B.C. jobs

1 in 5

manufacturing jobs

•

14% of jobs in the Cariboo

•

7% of jobs in the Northeast

•

7% of jobs in the Kootenays

•

nearly half of forestry jobs are in the Lower Mainland/Southwest

More than 5,300 Indigenous people directly employed *Other sources: 2019 B.C. Stats; 2016 Census

2021 BC RESOURCES COALITION 15

HARDWOOD TIMBER POTENTIAL Aspen research in Northern B.C.

The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality—centred in Fort Nelson, B.C.—is a traditional logging heartland with an untapped resource of millions of metres of harvestable hardwood. With the forest industry becoming dormant due to the closure of a Polar Board OSB and Tackama Plywood mills in 2008, the Municipality decided to take the opportunity to confirm what it believed regarding its aspen resource. Partnering with Forest Products Innovations and local small-scale sawmills, the research more than confirmed that the quality and potential of the timber supply are incredible. This research has subsequently been reviewed and assessed by Forest Economic Advisors (FEA), a world-leading advisor on forest product markets and economics to further establish the opportunity that lies in the resource.

While other timber supply areas in the province are seeing reductions in their Allowable Annual Cut, the Fort Nelson timber supply area saw it increased by approximately 60 per cent in 2020. With approximately 122 million cubic metres of harvestable northern hardwoods in the region, most of it within hours of Fort Nelson, B.C., the elements are in place for a forestry business 16 BC RESOURCES COALITION 2021

cluster opportunity in the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality.

Approximately 86 per cent of the resource is aspen, with the remainder being birch and cottonwood. Approximately 67 million cubic metres is within six hours from Fort Nelson’s heavy

Now that 2020 has wrapped up, the hopeful promise of reigniting the regional forest industry comes with the announcement from Peak Renewables that a large-scale pellet plant will open in Fort Nelson.

industrial zoned (M-2) area and rail access. If only high volume stands are considered, there are 52 million cubic metres within that range (89 million cubic metres, or 73 per cent of the total 122 million, are high volume stands).

Two third-party studies have verified that the aspen is of exceptional quality compared to that of other areas, with very little decay in the stands examined. These studies also showed the potential for solid yields of aspen veneer of excellent quality for visual grading and for machine-rated LVL grades (G1 & G2). Although not the focus of the studies, it was also determined that the timber supply in the region could support oriented stand board (OSB), hardwood plywood, hardwood lumber, and a range of engineered lumber productions.

Now that 2020 has wrapped up, the hopeful promise of reigniting the regional forest industry comes with the announcement from Peak Renewables that a large-scale pellet plant will open in Fort Nelson. Once such an operation is commissioned in Fort Nelson, the feasibility and potential for other small-medium scale forest product manufacturing will continue to rise. Much like the people living in the north, the forest sector in the north will be better

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and stronger, working together. p 2021 BC RESOURCES COALITION 17

COMPLETION OF THE MURRAY RIVER HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL SETS A NEW RECORD

The recent completion of the Murray River Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) marks a huge milestone for Coastal Gaslink – the largest trenchless water crossing on the project completed with zero safety incidents. This 1.3 kilometre section of pipe weighs over 1.2 million pounds, and the 48-inch HDD signifies the largest of its kind for TC Energy and one of the longest in North America.

Before work could even begin on site, years of planning went into ensuring everything went smoothly in coordination with their prime contractor Surerus Murphy Joint Venture (SMJV).

An HDD pull is a process that involves the expertise of many including engineers, crossing companies, environmental specialists, and surveyors.

Several tests need to be completed beforehand to ensure the entire process is safe, and this particular pull had an added level of difficulty for the crew to maneuver due to the steep slope of the river.

It takes a large amount of coordination throughout the pull once the process starts. As the tunnel is drilled under the water crossing, the pipe is being held by cranes on land – some segments suspended nine metres in the air in order to ensure the proper 14-degree angle at the entry point.

“Some of the cranes here have one hundred thousand pounds on them, ” says Dave, an HDD support foreman on the Murray River project. “We’re dealing with a lot of weight; we have to react in real time.” The pipe is then carefully passed through the cranes on land and into the drilled tunnel under the Murray River. Regardless of the difficulty, safety comes first, and the Murray

18 BC RESOURCES COALITION 2021

River HDD was successfully completed with zero safety incidents.

Coastal Gaslink remains committed to achieving the highest standards of environmental protection during construction and for the life of the project. They recognize that the way in which they navigate water crossings matters to the local communities, which is why they utilize advanced engineering methods to safely construct around and across all water bodies. Reclamation is a priority and readings are taken before the pipe is installed so that they can test both during and after construction to monitor that the pipeline continues to operate safely and efficiently without affecting the environment and the communities around it. For example, their teams look out for changes in sediment, dissolved oxygen levels, and suspended solids in the water. They work in beautiful areas of nature with so many different species, including “areas that have commercial, recreational, and indigenous species of importance within the river system” says Jeff, lead environmental inspector for the Murray River HDD.

Across the entire project route, Coastal Gaslink strives to leave the land the way they found it. Jeff knows that projects like this “show the planning and coordination of pipeline construction and the commitments and legislation we follow and how we do this work in a sustainable way.”

Pulling the pipe through a tunnel under the river meant no impact was made to the body of water, minimizing the footprint and reducing the environmental impact. p

2021 BC RESOURCES COALITION 19

CP’S HYDROGEN LOCOMOTIVE PROGRAM POWERED BY BC FUEL CELL MANUFACTURER

Most transportation companies and automakers are actively working to reduce emissions by incorporating zero-emission technology into their designs.

Through its Hydrogen Locomotive Program, Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) is doing the same by developing North America's first hydrogen-powered line-haul freight locomotive by retrofitting a formerly diesel-powered locomotive with hydrogen fuel cells. The fuel cells will work with battery technology to power the locomotive's electric traction motors.

"How we power our trains matters to our customers, employees, shareholders and the communities we operate in,” says Keith Creel, president and CEO of CP. “This technology holds the possibility of eliminating emissions from freight train operations, which already represent the most efficient method of moving goods over land."

Hydrogen fuel cell products are significantly more efficient than internal combustion engines, they are a carbon-free fuel, and they are safer than conventional hydrocarbon fuels.

The fuel cell modules, manufactured by Ballard Power Systems headquartered in Vancouver, will provide a total of 1.2 megawatts of electricity to power the locomotive. "With this purchase from Ballard, CP further demonstrates its commitment

20 BC RESOURCES COALITION 2021

Ballard’s zero-emission Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells are enabling the electrification of buses, commercial trucks, marine vessels, and passenger cars, as well as trains. to developing the next generation of locomotive – one

first hydrogen and fuel cell-powered line-haul freight

that produces zero emissions," says Creel.

locomotive. The program underscores the strong fit for

Ballard plans to deliver six of its 200-kilowatt fuel cell modules to CP before the end of 2021, and it will provide support to enable integration of the modules

zero-emission fuel cells to power heavy- and mediumduty motive applications, including trains, for which it is otherwise difficult to abate emissions."

into the locomotive. Ballard’s zero-emission Proton

The market for freight rail is growing across the world.

Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells are enabling the

In 2018, Canada's freight rail sector's workload increased

electrification of buses, commercial trucks, marine

by 6.2 per cent, and by 10.1 per cent compared with the

vessels, and passenger cars, as well as trains.

five-year average.

"We are excited to be working with CP,” says Randy

Once operational, CP will conduct rail service trials

MacEwen, president and CEO of Ballard. “CP's Hydrogen

and qualification testing to evaluate the combined

Locomotive Program will develop North America's

technology's readiness for the freight-rail sector. p

Mike Morris, MLA

By introducing diversity in resource development in a sustainable way, we will have a legacy for future generations.

Mike Morris, MLA Prince George-Mackenzie Unit 102, 1023 Central Street West, Prince George, BC V2M 3C9 Tel: 250-612-4194 Fax: 250-612-4191 Email: mike.morris.mla@leg.bc.ca

2021 BC RESOURCES COALITION 21

RARE METAL DEPOSITS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA Smart phones, digital cameras, flat screen televisions, and computer hard drives and monitors. Rare earth elements (REE) are key components in many electronic devices that we use in our daily lives. REEs are also necessary components in industrial applications such as wind energy, aircrafts, automotive, and defence technologies.

The manufacturing of permanent magnets represents the single largest and most important end use for REEs, accounting for 38 per cent of total forecasted demand.

Permanent magnets are an essential component of modern electronics mentioned above, but REEs are also widely used in high-technology and “green” products because of their luminescent and catalytic

22 BC RESOURCES COALITION 2021

properties.

Canada has some of the largest known reserves and resources (measured and indicated) of rare earths in the world, estimated at over 15 million tonnes of rare earth

oxides. (Source: Government of Canada) This spring, Defense Metals Corp., a mineral exploration company headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., announced plans to complete a

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diamond drill campaign during

covering an area of 1,708 hectares.

green energy technologies, such as

2021 at its Wicheeda REE deposit.

Geologically, the property is situated

high-strength alloys and rare earth

The Company plans to complete a

in the Foreland Belt and within the

magnets.

minimum of 2,000 metres and up

Rocky Mountain Trench, a major

to 5,000 metres of diamond drilling

continental geologic feature.

designed to expand the deposit and

According to Defence Minerals Corp., the 2021 Wicheeda

Defense Metals Corp. is focused on

diamond drill program will focus

the acquisition of mineral deposits

on expanding the zone REE

The Wicheeda REE property,

containing metals and elements

mineralized dolomite-carbonatite

located approximately 80 kilometres

commonly used in the electric

to the north, in addition to further

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delineating existing inferred

consists of six mineral claims

security, and the production of

resources within the central and

further define existing resources.

northwestern areas of the deposit.

The increase in the demand for magnets can be credited to their rising application in electric and hybrid cars. Governments around the world are making steady efforts to reduce emissions produced by cars operating on fossil fuels.

This has urged the demand for electric vehicles and metals used to manufacture them. This trend is significantly contributing to rare earth metals industry growth.

According to Global Market Insights, Inc., a global market research and consulting service provider, rare earth metals market size is poised to surpass USD 19.8 billion by 2026. p

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G.A.P. Custom Manufacturing Ltd is a CWB 47.1 certified steel fabrication and processing shop. Owner Grant Purdue has over 25 years of experience in the steel manufacturing and construction industries and is a red seal certified journeyman in 3 trades. Welding, steel fabricator and millwright. He is also a founding director of the BC Resources Coalition. G.A.P. services most of BCs natural resource sectors with most of their experience in logging and sawmill equipment.

Authorized Alpina Equipment Dealer

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2021 BC RESOURCES COALITION 25

DIGGING DEEP: ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES IN NORTHEAST B.C.

By Carlos Salas, Executive Vice President & Chief Scientific Officer, GeoScience BC

Above: Figure 1 – The AN Assessment of Economic Viability of Selected Geothermal Resources in British Columbia report evaluated 18 sites in British Columbia. Clarke Lake and Jedney.

Right: FIgure 2 – Favourability Map identifying the four most favourable sites based on temperature.

The Challenge The world is on the cusp of a massive energy transition, much like the move from whale oil and

Traditionally, the Western Canada

communities supplement heating

Sedimentary Basin is known for its

costs, with further potential to

abundance of oil and natural gas,

produce green hydrogen using

but it is relatively unknown that it

excess geothermal power capacity.

has massive potential for alternative

coal to kerosene and petroleum

energy. Northeast B.C. lies within

energy sources in the late 19th

a hot sedimentary basin: an area

century. Today, the shift is toward

with above average heat flow due

electrification and hydrogen.

to underlying radiogenic basement

Geothermal energy usage is

rocks. The potential for geothermal

common throughout the world,

energy usage in the region could

related to the geothermal energy

especially in the Circum-Pacific Belt,

not only help the natural gas

resource potential of the Western

yet there is currently no geothermal

industry reduce greenhouse gas

Canada Sedimentary Basin in

energy generation in Canada.

(GHG) emissions, but could also help

Northeastern B.C.

26 BC RESOURCES COALITION 2021

Studying a Hot Sedimentary Basin Five Geoscience BC projects have looked at various technical aspects

Economic Viability The first study (An Assessment of Economic Viability of Selected Geothermal Resources in British Columbia, Geoscience BC Report 2015-11) was completed by Kerr Wood Leidel and Geothermex. It

Traditionally, the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin is known for its abundance of oil and natural gas, but it is relatively unknown that it has massive potential for alternative energy.

focused on a province-wide highlevel look at the economic viability

Clarke Lake Field

Engineering scoped potential plant

at 18 sites of which two, Clarke

The last two projects both focused

estimates for various development

Lake and Jedney, were identified as

on the Clarke Lake Field, which

scenarios utilizing a binary power

notable targets in Northeastern B.C.

became British Columbia’s

plant for power generation. Unlike

(see Figure 1)

first giant gas field in 1959. The

conventional geothermal power

Clarke Lake Gas Field Reservoir Tuya Terra Geo Corp. and

plants from high temperature

Characterization study (Geoscience

Geothermal Management Company,

reservoirs (>100°C), which use water

BC Report 2018-19) by Evan

Inc. authored the second study

steam to drive turbines, the binary

Renaud et al. helped improve our

plants use an organic fluid which

(Direct-use Geothermal Resources,

understanding of the reservoir,

boils at a lower temperature than

Geoscience BC Report 2016-07)

while the Clarke Lake Geothermal

water, thereby enabling the turbines

in British Columbia, providing a

Pre-Feasibility Study (Geoscience

to operate at temperatures as low

roadmap for direct heat use, an

BC Report 2019-11) by Associated

as ~80°C. This can ultimately make

of geothermal power generation

locations and provided initial cost

often-neglected use of geothermal power. The study outlined the

We Supply Building Solutions

various potential applications of direct-use heating (wood products kiln-drying, community heating, greenhouses, and aquaculture) and a roadmap for communities on how to self-assess for applicability.

The next three projects further refined the potential for geothermal power generation in Northeastern B.C. with the first study by Kevin Palmer-Wilson et al. (Techno-Economic assessment of Geothermal Energy Resources in the Sedimentary Basin in Northeastern British Columbia, Canada, Geoscience BC Report 201818) creating a favourability map for power generation in the region. In total four hotspots were identified: Horn River, Clarke Lake, Prophet

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River and Jedney. (see Figure 2).

2021 BC RESOURCES COALITION 27

and use excess capacity for green

economically viable.

Spurring Economic Development

Providing critical intellectual

Although B.C.’s geothermal potential

infrastructure in the form of

development plans could help

is often linked to the volcanic belt

communities reduce heating costs

public geoscience is key to seeding

rimming North America’s western

and attract new businesses. The

resource development, whether

coastline, the northeast portion

plants also provide an opportunity

it be geophysics for mineral

which lies within the Western

for Indigenous groups in the area to

exploration, or baseline water

Canada Sedimentary Basin has

be involved in a new industry from

studies for responsible natural

the potential to spur economic

the beginning of its development,

gas development. The availability

development through direct-use

be it through ownership or by

of geothermal technical studies

heating and small-scale geothermal

taking advantage of stable, local

over the Clarke Lake Field gave

power generation.

employment and capacity building

Fort Nelson First Nation’s Deh Tai

These smaller 7-15MW plants could

Development Corp. the needed base

be employed in areas where access

Geoscience BC is a not-for-profit

geoscience to secure $40.5 million

to traditional transmission lines

society that generates independent,

in federal funding for the initiation

would be uneconomic, with the

public geoscience research and data

of the project. They expect to begin

potential to lower GHG emissions

about British Columbia’s minerals,

drilling this summer.

from natural gas development

energy, and water resources. p

these lower temperature reservoirs

hydrogen generation. Integration of direct-use heating into economic

opportunities.

Fighting to #Get2Yes on responsible resource development has been a key part of ICBA’s advocacy work for several years.

Under our new ICBA Energy brand, ICBA has upped our government advocacy, pushing to cut red tape, and standing up for the hundreds of thousands of Canadians who depend on jobs in the energy sector to support their families and their communities.

icba.ca

infopg@icba.ca

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28 BC RESOURCES COALITION 2021

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WHY WE NEED THE BCRC

By Dan Rae As a founding director of the BCRC, I am proud of the things that have been accomplished in the past two years. As a group, we were founded due to a single project that saw fierce resistance before it had ever submitted a single application.

Some might call these opponents environmentalists, others might call them concerned citizens. Either way, I can guarantee they had the best of intentions, but this project wasn’t even given a chance to be

the slogan #whyshouldyoucare.

a myriad of natural resource

To me this is all encompassing and

industries in my career such as

speaks volumes to why I write blogs

mining, forestry, oil & gas, and

and volunteer countless hours to the

hydro. Never once have I regretted

BCRC. It is why the BCRC is critical

what I do. I know that every

for this province and a growing,

morning I get up and I am positively

cohesive voice for B.C.’s natural

contributing to society, and I am

resource sector.

doing my small part to supply the energy and materials our society

heard before being dragged through

It isn’t to say that the natural

the mud. Misrepresentations,

resource sector doesn’t have its

exaggerations, or in some cases,

issues, it does. Like anything, social,

outright lies were viewed as fact

economic, and environmental

and spread like wildfire. A grand

issues are always a concern, but

idea from a small start-up has

there is no magical switch that

my job helps keep the population

no ability to combat the modern

makes things better; it is a process

supplied. In the same way that

power of social media. This project

of constant improvement. It is this

I support our doctors, teachers,

was further put at risk due to a

constant improvement that I see

and police, I see the BCRC as

competitor who wanted to take

daily in my job, improving safety,

the medium to help the doctors,

the same B.C. resource and ship it

environmental performance, and

teachers, and police support me.

across provincial borders to create

inclusivity are examples that prove

We are all cogs in the same wheel

jobs in another province. This

that I am playing for the right team.

and need the support of each other

is a story that is getting all too

These are the things that I see daily

to keep this great province moving

common making it less attractive

that I wish the public could see,

forward.

to do business in B.C. and less likely

which I think would change the

for new industry to be proposed.

narrative on the natural resource

Enough is enough! A group of

industry, garner support, and help

concerned citizens joined together

move it forward in an important

and the BCRC was born.

way. This view could help B.C. grow,

Over the past year, I have been involved with our social media campaigns and helped to develop

become stronger, spur innovation, and provide a higher quality of life.

I have proudly worked across

requires for our modern lives. In the same way doctors keep the population healthy, teachers make the population educated, and police keep the population safe, I know

This is why we need the BCRC, why we need the support of readers like you, and followers on our social media. Most importantly, it is why we need members to help ensure we can continue this important work.

It is why I care, and I ask you to ask yourself #whyshouldyoucare. p 2021 BC RESOURCES COALITION 29

INDEX TO ADVERTISERS ADB Enterprises Ltd.....................................................25

Guillevin International Inc................................................7

Bam Contracting Ltd.......................................................5

ICBA..............................................................................28

Bob Zimmer, MP............................................................24

Interior Workplace Compliance Testing........................ 13

Brock White..................................................................27

International Brotherhood of Boilermakers................ IFC

Brownridge & Company Insurance..................................8

Local Rental Solutions.................................................. 17

CIF Construction Ltd.....................................................23

Mike Morris, MLA........................................................... 21

City of Dawson Creek......................................................9

PAV – Pro Alpine Ventures.............................................25

Eco Canada................................................................OBC

Prince George Portable Toilet Services Ltd..................28

Elec-Tech Sales Ltd........................................................9

Progressive Ventures Construction Ltd........................ 19

Everguard Fire Equipment..............................................3

Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation..................IBC

F1rst Truck Centre....................................................... 22

Steel Grid Construction Corp........................................24

Fraser Custom Equipment..............................................9

Tyrod Industries Ltd.................................................. 5, 25

Gap Custom Manufacturing..........................................25

Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services.............................. 21

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30 BC RESOURCES COALITION 2021

Invest in the Next Generation of Natural Resource Stewards Employment Programs are available to help organizations expand their workforce and hire young professionals with knowledge of the latest advancements in STEM, Natural Resources, and environmental practice.

Learn More and Apply at eco.ca/job-funding

Funded by Natural Resources Canada 32 BC RESOURCES COALITION 2021