AltaGas signs development agreement with First Nations
AltaGas Ltd. [ALA-TSX] and Halfway River First Nation (HRFN) signed a Comprehensive Relationship Agreement. The 10-year agreement provides the framework for consultation, financial benefits, community investment, employment opportunities, and support for a wildlife study in HRFN’s traditional territory.
“This agreement supports AltaGas’ three guiding principles for developing energy infrastructure: respect the land, share the benefits, and nurture long-term relationships,” said David Harris, President and CEO of AltaGas. “We look forward to continuing to build a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship with HRFN that recognizes and respects their values and traditions.”
“We are pleased to sign this relationship agreement with AltaGas,” said Chief Darlene Hunter of Halfway River First Nation. “By working together with AltaGas, we have developed an agreement that will benefit our community for many years to come.”
AltaGas is constructing its Townsend Facility approximately 100 km north of Fort St. John in Northeast British Columbia on HRFN territory. When completed, the Facility will include a 198 million cubic feet per day (MMscf/d) shallow-cut natural gas processing facility, a gathering pipeline, sales pipeline, two liquids egress pipelines, and a truck terminal on the Alaska Highway.
The Townsend Facility is a key component of AltaGas’ Northeast British Columbia energy strategy. The Project has provided members of HRFN with employment opportunities during construction and will continue do so once operational.
“This agreement between AltaGas and the Halfway River First Nation is an important step towards sharing the prosperity that comes with natural gas development,” said the Honourable John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, for the Province of British Columbia. “The growth of a sustainable, responsible natural gas sector will bring substantial financial benefits, jobs and new business opportunities to Halfway River and other First Nations communities throughout northern B.C.”