The social, economic, cultural and physical well-being of local residents along the proposed expansion route are important to Trans Mountain. Forthcoming socio-economic studies will examine potential impacts related to a range of different factors of the human environment including:
- Human occupancy and resource use
- Employment and economy
- Infrastructure and services
- Social and cultural wellbeing
The assessment team will meet with key information sources in municipal, provincial, business and infrastructure/service organizations to collect information and scope potential issues pertaining to possible resource use, economic and infrastructure effects. This may include:
- Land use planners
- Economic development officers
- Public works officials at the municipal level
- Local business/industry associations
- Land/resource users and user organizations
- Health, social and emergency/protective services
- Education/training organizations
The project is anticipated to result in economic benefits for BC, Alberta and Canada. As part of continuing socio-economic studies, Trans Mountain will conduct a detailed analysis of the potential economic impacts of the project. This will examine anticipated employment opportunities, contribution to Gross Domestic Product, labour income, and government tax revenues. Trans Mountain is also working on assessing economic impacts at the local level for communities along the route.
Additionally, Trans Mountain will assess the extent to which project-related activities, toxic components, nuisances and environmental changes could have human health effects (Human Health Risk Assessment), including the consideration of community health and wellbeing.
Traditional Land and Resource Use studies will be undertaken in collaboration with Aboriginal communities in the Project area. These studies will examine potential impacts to traditional Aboriginal use of lands and resources, such as hunting, fishing, trapping, berry picking, medicinal use, cultural/household use, as well as cultural or spiritual ceremonies. The results of these studies will be integrated across the Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment.
Archaeology studies will also be undertaken to examine potential impacts related to archaeological, paleontological and historical sites.
Marine socio-economic studies will focus on assessing potential impacts on marine-based commercial use and tourism as well as Aboriginal use of marine resources.
The results of all socio-economic studies will be compiled in various reports that will be included as part of the Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment submitted to the National Energy Board. This is just a portion of Trans Mountain’s comprehensive Facilities Application for the proposed expansion project. More information about the socio-economic environmental studies can be found here.