CASE STUDY: Nova Gas Transmission Project

NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL), under the leadership of TC Energy, submitted its application to the National Energy Board (NEB) on 2nd September 2015 for the Towerbirch Expansion Project. This plan outlined the construction of 87 km of gas pipelines and related facilities spanning northwest Alberta and northeast British Columbia. The project was vital for meeting Canada’s growing energy demands and strengthening the natural gas supply network across domestic and export markets. 

This initiative traverses regions with rich natural resources, many of which are traditional Indigenous territories. As the pipeline sought to enhance energy infrastructure, it also posed challenges related to Indigenous rights, environmental impact, and cultural preservation. Indigenous communities played a key role in shaping the project’s trajectory, advocating for their interests and priorities in both development and sustainability. 

Challenges

The Nova Gas Transmission project encountered several challenges, many of which revolved around Indigenous rights and environmental concerns. With the pipeline crossing traditional territories, communities were concerned about potential disruptions to land use, waterways, and wildlife habitats. 
 
Additionally, the project faced heightened scrutiny from environmental activists and regulatory bodies, emphasising the need for robust ecological protections. For Indigenous groups, the pipeline represented both an opportunity and a risk, offering potential economic benefits but also threatening cultural and environmental integrity.

Solutions 

Before the NGTL project began, Indigenous communities raised concerns about land use, which TC Energy took seriously. As an energy infrastructure company committed to meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples, TC Energy worked actively to address these concerns and mitigate potential risks.  

Guided by a vision to support resilient Indigenous communities, TC Energy submitted its Indigenous Relations Policy to the Canada Energy Regulator (CER). This policy includes an engagement programme designed to foster early and transparent communication with Indigenous groups, ensuring their voices are heard and laying the foundation for mutually beneficial partnerships. 
 
Additionally, TC Energy adopted a collaborative approach to address these concerns. The company engaged with over 70 Indigenous communities early in the planning stages, ensuring their perspectives shaped key decisions.  

One innovative solution was the inclusion of Indigenous ecological knowledge in pipeline design and routing. This approach minimised the project’s environmental footprint by avoiding sensitive areas identified by Indigenous stakeholders. 
 
TC Energy also established community-led environmental monitoring programs, empowering Indigenous groups to oversee the project’s impact and ensure compliance with agreed-upon standards.

To address potential impacts on Indigenous communities, NGTL conducted an initial assessment based on the project's location within asserted traditional territories, regional boundaries, and areas of interest. In addition to its efforts, NGTL reached out to the Canada Energy Regulator (CER), requesting a preliminary analysis of traditional territories to identify Indigenous groups directly affected by the project. NGTL provided comprehensive details, including a project description, maps, and a list of potentially impacted Indigenous groups. 

The analysis identified the following communities and organisations as affected: 

First Nations

Partnership Formation 

Strong partnerships with Indigenous communities were central to the project’s progress. TC Energy negotiated agreements that included revenue-sharing arrangements, equity ownership opportunities, and commitments to local procurement. These partnerships were designed to create lasting economic benefits for Indigenous peoples while addressing their environmental and cultural concerns. 
 
Indigenous advisors played a crucial role in fostering mutual understanding, helping bridge cultural differences and align project goals with community values.

Project Scope and Objectives

The Nova Gas Transmission project aimed to increase the capacity of Canada’s natural gas pipeline system, ensuring reliable energy access for domestic and international markets. By doing so, the project sought to strengthen Canada’s energy security and economic competitiveness. 
 
Beyond its technical goals, the project also prioritised equitable engagement with Indigenous communities, aiming to build trust and foster long-term partnerships.

Impact and Benefits

The project delivered significant benefits to Indigenous communities. Economic participation was a cornerstone, with Indigenous businesses securing contracts for construction, maintenance, and support services. Revenue-sharing agreements provided communities with a steady income stream, enabling investments in local infrastructure and social programs. 
 
Training and employment initiatives further enhanced community capacity, equipping Indigenous workers with skills for the energy sector. Environmental monitoring programs, led by Indigenous groups, ensured that the project adhered to stringent ecological standards.

Outcome

The Nova Gas Transmission project highlights the transformative potential of Indigenous partnerships in the energy sector. By integrating Indigenous knowledge, fostering economic inclusion, and prioritising environmental stewardship, the project achieved a balance between development and sustainability. Its success emphasises the importance of respectful collaboration, setting a benchmark for future infrastructure projects in Canada.