Enbridge Inc. has announced federal approval for the $4 billion Sunrise Expansion Program, a significant natural gas infrastructure project aimed at enhancing energy security and economic growth in British Columbia (B.C.). The project, which involves the expansion of Enbridge's Westcoast natural gas pipeline system, is designed to increase natural gas transportation capacity by approximately 300 million cubic feet per day.
The Sunrise Expansion Program will add critical infrastructure to the southern portion of the Westcoast pipeline system, supporting access to natural gas during peak demand periods. This natural gas is essential for heating homes, hospitals, schools, and businesses, as well as for powering industrial activities and contributing to global liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
The project is expected to inject over $3 billion into the Canadian economy and create approximately 2,500 construction jobs, including roles for workers from local communities and Indigenous groups in B.C. To date, Enbridge has allocated more than $52 million to contracts and services with Indigenous businesses.
Set to begin construction in July 2026, the project will include the development of new pipeline segments, additional natural gas compression facilities, and upgrades to existing infrastructure. Enbridge aims to bring the project into service by late 2028.
Greg Ebel, CEO and President of Enbridge, emphasized the importance of the initiative: "The multi-billion dollar Sunrise Expansion Program is a shovel-ready, critical natural gas infrastructure project that supports the advancement of Canada's energy superpower 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. We're proud of our long history investing and building in Canada and British Columbia, and are excited about the role this project will play in increasing economic prosperity and energy security."
Enbridge has committed to working closely with Indigenous groups, local communities, contractors, and other stakeholders throughout the project's development. Matthew Akman, Enbridge’s Executive Vice President and President of Gas Transmission, highlighted the company’s efforts to support Canadian businesses: "As part of our commitment to supporting local businesses, Enbridge is procuring pipe for the Sunrise Expansion Program from InterPro Pipe + Steel, a Canadian steel mill and pipe provider, who will use Canadian workers and expertise to produce the pipe."
The project has garnered widespread support from government officials, who view it as a pivotal step toward energy security and economic stability. The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, stated, "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. 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."
B.C. Premier David Eby also expressed optimism about the project’s benefits: "Approval of the Sunrise natural gas expansion project is good news for British Columbian jobs. 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."
The initiative is expected to have a far-reaching impact across Canada. Minister Dix, B.C.’s Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, noted, "The Sunrise Expansion Project is a part of this work and will help support electric power generation, industry development, and LNG export facilities, while also ensuring affordable and reliable power for communities throughout the region. Enbridge's commitment to using Canadian steel mill and pipe ensures that investments stay in Canada and that Canadians experience all the benefits of this expansion."
Saskatchewan Minister of Trade and Export Development Warren Kaeding added, "Saskatchewan welcomes the approval of Enbridge's Sunrise Expansion Project. We are pleased to see that this project will utilize Canadian steel from InterPro Pipe + Steel. By using Canadian steel and expertise, this project will strengthen Canadian supply chains while supporting local jobs here in Saskatchewan and across our country."
Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system spans over 2,900 kilometers, transporting up to 3.6 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day from northeastern B.C. and the B.C.-Alberta border to the Canada-U.S. border. The system is partially owned by the Stonlasec8 Indigenous Alliance Limited Partnership, which represents 38 Indigenous groups in B.C.
As construction approaches, Enbridge remains committed to working with key stakeholders to ensure the project's success, with the goal of contributing to Canada’s energy infrastructure and economic future.
