The federal government has granted approval for a $4-billion expansion of Enbridge Inc.’s natural gas pipeline system in British Columbia, a project proponents say will bolster energy security and inject billions into the Canadian economy.
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The Sunrise Expansion Program is designed to add 300 million cubic feet per day of transportation capacity to the southern portion of Enbridge’s existing Westcoast pipeline system. The Westcoast system currently moves up to 3.6 billion cubic feet of gas daily, stretching from northeast B.C. to the Canada-U.S. border.
Enbridge CEO Greg Ebel described the project as “shovel-ready” and a critical step in advancing Canada’s energy ambitions.
“We are thankful for the support of the Canadian Government and other stakeholders who have helped to bring this project to fruition at this critical time for the country,” Ebel said in a statement Friday.
Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026, with the expansion expected to be in service by late 2028. The project involves building new pipeline segments, adding compression, and upgrading existing facilities along the 2,900-kilometre system.
Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said the approval fulfills a commitment to get major infrastructure built.
“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,” Hodgson said.
The project is expected to employ approximately 2,500 workers during construction. Enbridge noted that more than $52 million has already been spent on services from Indigenous businesses. The existing Westcoast system is roughly 12.5 per cent owned by the Stonlasec8 Indigenous Alliance Limited Partnership, representing 38 Indigenous groups.
B.C. Premier David Eby welcomed the news, noting the expansion will help provide affordable energy at a time of global instability.
“Approval of the Sunrise natural gas expansion project is good news for British Columbian jobs,” Eby said. “It will also strengthen B.C.’s role as an engine for a more independent Canadian economy.”
Enbridge confirmed it is procuring pipe for the project from InterPro Pipe + Steel, a Canadian provider, a move praised by Saskatchewan Minister of Trade and Export Development Warren Kaeding for supporting domestic supply chains and jobs.
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