LNG Terminal Threatens Status of World Heritage Site

The government of Quebec's approval of a massive Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility near Quebec City may threaten the city's status as a World Heritage site.

1 minute read

September 26, 2008, 7:00 AM PDT

By Michael Dudley


"Quebec City's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site may be put in jeopardy by the construction of the province's first liquefied natural gas terminal, a massive industrial complex on the St. Lawrence River, just 10 kilometres downstream from the historic city.

A committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which will be meeting in Quebec City next week, has been asked by opponents of the Rabaska project to examine whether the Canadian and Quebec governments violated their commitment to protect the city as a world heritage site when it approved the LNG terminal, slated to be built in 2010.

Throughout the four-year battle to stop the project, citizens underscored the risks in allowing super tankers carrying liquefied natural gas to enter a narrow channel of the St. Lawrence River just three kilometres across from Iles d'Orléans. With its breathtaking view of the river, the island has been officially recognized as a provincial heritage site."

Thursday, September 25, 2008 in Globe and Mail

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

7 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

4 hours ago - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

5 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

6 hours ago - Next City