British Columbia’s major natural gas transmission system is set to expand in a massive way.
On Friday, April 24, Federal Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson announced a $4 billion natural gas expansion of Enbridge’s Westcoast pipeline system, which will provide up to 300 million cubic feet per day of additional transportation capacity on B.C.’s major natural gas transmission system.
The Sunrise Expansion Program is owned by Enbridge as well as 38 First Nations groups.
“Our commitment to Canadians was to get projects approved and built – and with today’s approval of the Sunrise Expansion Program, we’re doing just that,” said Hodgson. “This project will enable us to heat more homes, businesses, hospitals, and schools, while bolstering British Columbian industry, including for LNG, and creating thousands of jobs. It is proof that, in partnership with industry and Indigenous partners, we can strengthen energy security and price stability and create new international trade opportunities, while meeting rigorous environmental and safety standards. This is what being an energy superpower looks like.”
The project includes the construction of new pipeline segments along the existing system and will add additional natural gas compression, as well as upgrade and modify existing facilities.
According to the map on the Federal government’s website, construction on the new pipeline segments will run in stretches from Chetwynd, through the Cariboo, through Merritt, along the Coquihalla Highway, and eventually end in Sumas.
“This will enable us to heat more homes, businesses, hospitals and schools in B.C., in addition to providing gas for electric power generation and industrial and manufacturing processes,” reads the release. “This expansion ensures British Columbia has enough gas supply as LNG export facilities like Woodfibre LNG – which will be the first net-zero LNG facility in the world.”
The project is expected to add more than $3 billion to Canada’s GDP and generate over $700 million in tax revenue for new roads, hospitals, and schools in the province.
B.C. Premier David Eby called the project “good news” for jobs in the province.
“Approval of the Sunrise natural gas expansion project is good news for British Columbian jobs,” stated Eby. “It will also strengthen B.C.’s role as an engine for a more independent Canadian economy – delivering affordable energy people rely on and powering growth in major industries. At a time of uncertainty and global instability, this is how we create the prosperity needed to pay for the public services that make us all better off.”
At the project’s peak, more than 2,500 jobs will be created.
Construction expected to start this July, with a targeted in-service date in late 2028.
Hodgson is set to speak on the announcement in Toronto on Friday morning.