LNG Canada Business Rebate Program

The LNG Canada Business Rebate Program was launched in 2023 in partnership with the Kitimat and Terrace Chambers of Commerce, with a $300,000 investment to support the growth and sustainability of small and medium-sized local businesses. One of the program’s success stories is Big River Distributors, a Terrace-based shipping and distribution company that has served northwest British Columbia for more than 35 years.

Big River Distributors employs nearly 20 local staff, many of whom have been with the company for years and even decades. This longevity reflects a strong workplace culture, the company’s deep roots in the community, and a commitment to adapting to regional needs.

Increasing Regional Capacity

As e-commerce continues to grow and industrial activity expands across the region, Big River Distributors has experienced a shift in the types of goods it transports. This includes an increase in the shipment of items classified as dangerous goods to both industrial and residential customers. According to General Manager, David Blower, items like lithium batteries used in e-bikes and scooters are classified as dangerous goods, highlighting how these materials are becoming more common in everyday transportation.

Through its experience handling dangerous goods shipments, Big River Distributors identified gaps in local skills, training, and preparedness. With support from the LNG Canada Business Rebate Program, the company invested in new tools and specialized training to strengthen its safety practices. This included developing a site‑specific emergency response plan, implementing workplace policies and practical tools, and providing hands‑on training to ensure staff are prepared to respond effectively to incidents.

Business Manager, Julianna Angelo, noted that while it can be difficult to predict the wide range of goods the team may handle, the investment has significantly strengthened the company’s internal capacity to manage risks safely and adapt to the evolving types of products it handles and the needs of the region. The program is now managed internally and has been incorporated into onboarding for new employees, ensuring its safety culture is embedded in daily operations across the organization.