Sunrise Expansion pipeline approved

Summary#

This is an Order in Council — Order directing the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to Westcoast Energy Inc. P.C. 2026-378 (issued April 22, 2026) — that tells the Commission of the Canadian Energy Regulator to issue a certificate for the Sunrise Expansion Program. The decision lets Westcoast Energy GP Inc. build and operate new pipeline loops and related facilities in British Columbia, subject to 47 conditions.

What it does#

• Directs the Commission of the Canadian Energy Regulator to issue Certificate GC‑135 to Westcoast Energy GP Inc. for the Sunrise Expansion Program, as recommended in the Commission’s report of January 30, 2026.
• Allows construction of 11 pipeline loop segments totalling about 139 km, placed next to the existing T‑South pipeline.
• Authorizes related work including new compressor units, about 10 km of new overhead power lines, temporary construction infrastructure, and removal of about 350 m of a deactivated pipeline.
• Approves the project subject to 47 binding conditions that cover environmental protection, Indigenous participation and monitoring, species-at-risk measures, safety and emergency planning, and reporting requirements.
• Describes project cost and capacity: capital cost of about $4 billion (2024 dollars) and up to 300 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) of added transportation capacity. Target in‑service date is November 1, 2028 (if built on schedule).

Who's affected#

• Westcoast Energy GP Inc. (the proponent; subsidiary of Enbridge Inc.) — will build and operate the expansion.
• Natural gas customers and shippers in British Columbia and the U.S. Pacific Northwest, including Woodfibre LNG which has firm service commitments.
• Local communities along the route in central and southern British Columbia where construction and temporary workspaces will occur.
• 73 Indigenous groups identified in the consultation process, including First Nations and Métis communities whose lands or rights intersect the project area.
• Workers and local suppliers (construction is expected to support a peak workforce of about 2,500).
• Wildlife and the environment — the Commission highlighted potential effects on species such as the Southern Mountain Caribou and the Spotted Owl and imposed conditions to address those risks.

Why it matters#

• Energy and supply: the expansion is meant to prevent a forecasted shortfall and to add capacity (up to 300 MMcf/d) to help keep natural gas flowing to homes, businesses and export facilities in the region.
• Economy and jobs: the Commission estimates about $3.4 billion in total GDP contribution and 20,700 full‑time equivalent person‑years of employment over the project life, plus tax revenues (about $305 million federal and $394 million provincial estimates).
• Indigenous rights and local impacts: the decision follows a hearing and Crown consultations with many Indigenous groups, but several groups raised concerns about cumulative effects, monitoring, and whether consultation fully met their expectations. The certificate is conditional on many requirements intended to reduce impacts and increase Indigenous participation in monitoring.
• Environment and climate: regulators found the project will cause environmental and greenhouse‑gas effects that can be reduced by mitigation and conditions. The files show construction emissions around 108.9 kt CO2e and operational changes that the proponent says will lead to net negative operational GHGs after offsets, but the assessment also notes substantial upstream emissions and residual effects on species and habitats.
• Oversight: the certificate is subject to ongoing CER life‑cycle regulation, with specific reporting, monitoring, and enforcement measures intended to ensure the company meets the conditions.