Squamish council rejects $142 million Woodfibre LNG tax deal

The District of Squamish has voted down a proposed 10year tax agreement with Woodfibre LNG that would have brought $142 million to the community in B.C.'s SeatoSky region. At a special council meeting on Sept. 22, councillors considered a community enhancement payment agreement and a revised tax exemption plan tied to the LNG project. If approved, the deal would have started in 2027 and included money for wastewater work, flood protection, recreation, transportation upgrades, and climaterelated projects. The motion to reject the agreement passed 52. Supporters of the decision said the proposed payments were not indexed to inflation and offered too little protection for the district, while opponents argued the negotiated package was the best available option. The district said it will continue to rely on regular property taxes unless a future agreement is reached.