Enbridge’s Sunrise Expansion Program has cleared the final regulatory hurdle pending federal approval.
On Jan. 30, 2026, the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER) recommended the approval of the project, which will see the Westcoast Pipeline system be expanded across B.C. In a release, the CER said the project is in the public interest, and it recommends a certificate be issued to authorize the project.
The Sunrise Expansion Program will create 11 new natural gas pipeline loops, totalling 139 kilometres, the creation of two new overhead power lines to power two new compressor stations and various upgrades and modifications to existing infrastructure. Enbridge originally applied to the CER for approval on the project in May 2024.
“We welcome the Canada Energy Regulator’s recommendation to approve the Sunrise Expansion Program. We encourage the federal government to quickly issue its decision to allow construction to begin by the second quarter of this year,” Ali Hendi, Enbridge’s director of projects and Sunrise Expansion Program Project Lead, said. “By moving forward now, this project will help to strengthen the Canadian economy. This is a shovel-ready, critical energy infrastructure project that’s essential to advancing Canada’s energy superpower ambitions. It will play a role in increasing economic prosperity and will increase energy security.”
Rawnna Low, Enbridge’s senior communications advisor, said the Sunrise Expansion program is a $4 billion project that will expand the southern portions of Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system and meet B.C.’s demand for natural gas. In the Cariboo Regional District, Low said that the project is expected to employ more than 600 workers for the pipeline work and 150 for a new compressor station, located south of 100 Mile House near Lone Butte, during the peak of the construction.
In addition to the new compressor station, 6.1 kilometres of pipeline loops will be installed east of Williams Lake near the existing Compressor Station 6A and 27.4 kilometres south towards Green Lake.
In addition to the direct jobs created by this project, Low said local communities and businesses will also benefit from increased demand for worker accommodations, restaurants and other services. This is in addition to the taxes the company will pay both during and after the project’s completion.
“Across the province, over 2,500 workers are estimated to be employed during the project’s peak construction period, and the project is expected to contribute more than $3 billion to Canada’s economy,” Low stated. “If approved, construction is expected to begin by the second quarter of this year, with the project targeted to start operations by the end of 2028. Once completed, it will add 300 million cubic feet per day of natural gas transportation capacity to the system.”
With the CER’s recommendation now in hand, which Low said came after years of consultation with various Indigenous groups, communities and other stakeholders, the ball is now in Ottawa’s court. Low said the government has 90 days to approve the project, with a final decision expected by April 30.
“If approved, the government will then direct the CER to issue a certificate to authorize the construction of the project,” Low said.