History of Economic Development Kitimat LNG — a long time coming
For decades, economic development passed by the Haisla. Large-
scale industrial operations were built and flourished in our
territory, yet few benefits flowed to our people. All that is
now changing. The strategic location of the Douglas Channel and
its deep, protected waters have attracted industry for many
years, from the Rio Tinto Alcan smelter that began operations in
1952 to pulp mills. Rio Tinto Alcan is modernizing and expanding
its plant to a cost of about $3 billion but the pulp mill has
closed, as has the former Methanex plant. The turnaround in
economic opportunity for the Haisla is being led by the Kitimat
LNG (KMLNG) project and associated Pacific Trails Pipeline,
estimated to be a $5 -7 billion project. The plant is being
built on Haisla land, and the lease for the use of the site by
KM LNG was approved by 93% of band members in a referendum late
in 2010.