Proposed 3,300 km Northern Shield oil corridor from Hardisty to Sarnia

What is happening

• Provincial leaders proposed the Northern Shield Energy Corridor: a 3,300‑km crude oil pipeline from Hardisty, Alberta, to Sarnia, Ontario.

Who it affects

• Communities and workers in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba (possible extension), and Ontario; refineries in Sarnia; Canadian steel and manufacturing supply chains; Indigenous partners through consultation and potential equity opportunities.

By the numbers

• Planned capacity: about 500,000 barrels per day for domestic use and export, with potential to expand to 800,000 barrels per day.
• Feasibility study timeline: expected completed by end of 2026.

Key next steps

• Infrastructure Ontario is overseeing a feasibility study delivered by an advisory team of private firms.
• The work will define costs, commercial models, grid upgrades, potential strategic petroleum reserve planning, and Indigenous duty to consult.

Why it matters

• The proposal aims to increase domestic pipeline capacity, support refinery supply and jobs, and explore new port connections for broader market access. The announcement begins planning and consultation rather than construction.