Enbridge wins approval for C$4 billion Westcoast pipeline expansion adding 300 million cubic feet per day
Canada’s approval of Enbridge’s C$4 billion Sunrise Expansion Programme will add 300 million cubic feet per day of capacity to its Westcoast pipeline by installing 139 km of 42 in looping segments. Construction begins July 2026, operations kick off in late 2028, employing 2,500 workers and generating over C$3 billion in economic output.
1. Approval and Scope
Canadian authorities approved Enbridge’s C$4 billion Sunrise Expansion Programme to boost the Westcoast pipeline by adding 300 million cubic feet per day of capacity through installation of 139 km of new 42 in looping segments, along with enhanced compression and modified infrastructure.
2. Construction Timeline
Construction is slated to begin in July 2026, with pipeline looping and facility upgrades progressing through 2027, and operations scheduled to commence in late 2028.
3. Economic and Employment Impact
The project is expected to employ approximately 2,500 workers during construction, contribute over C$3 billion to the Canadian economy and generate more than C$700 million in combined federal and provincial tax revenue.
4. Strategic Benefits
The added capacity aims to enhance natural gas supply during peak demand in British Columbia, support residential and industrial users, and facilitate LNG exports such as to the Woodfibre terminal for Asian markets.