Pipeline expansion recommended north of Quesnel

A pipeline expansion project near Hixon, north of Quesnel, has been recommended to the federal government.

The Canadian Energy Regulator(CER) has recommended Enbridge’s Sunrise Expansion Project for approval.

The Project would consist of constructing 11 natural gas loops along the West Coast Pipeline, totalling approximately 139 kilometres (km).

Two sections of the expansion would be located in the Woodpecker and Hixon areas. A 5.1 km section north of Woodpecker to a Compressor Station, and a 20.8 km section that would run from the Compressor Station and into the south of Hixon.

“We’re also looking and are expecting the local businesses and community to benefit, as there are going to be a lot of opportunities economically that will benefit everyone.”

The Sunrise Expansion project is projected to cost around $4 billion to complete, with an estimated completion date in early 2028.

Once completed, the $4 billion expansion project will add 300 million cubic feet per day of natural gas transportation capacity, which the CER says would be a 17 per cent increase and meet the current and future demands of the province of British Columbia.

“We are pleased with the recommendation we[Enbridge] got from the CER,” Low says.
We have been working on this project since 2023, and now the federal government has about 90 days to decide on whether to approve the project. We’re hoping for a positive and timely approval, so we can start construction on the pipeline by the second quarter of the year.”

The CER’s recommendation also comes with over 80 letters of support Enbridge has collected since 2023. Low says the letters of support have come after “extensive environmental and engagement work” has been done in collaboration with Enbridge and local communities, stakeholders, and local Indigenous.