CALGARY — Ottawa has approved Enbridge Inc.’s $4-billion Sunrise natural gas pipeline project in British Columbia, bolstering a West Coast liquefied natural gas project in which the company has a stake, Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said Friday.
“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,” Hodgson said in a news release.
“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.”
The project, which would see an expansion of Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system, includes the addition of about 140 kilometres of new pipeline by constructing 11 looping segments parallel to the existing line.
It will add up to 300 mmbtu per day of transportation capacity on B.C.’s major natural gas transmission system, which Ottawa said would help ensure B.C. has enough gas supply as export facilities like Woodfibre LNG come online. Enbridge has a 30 per cent stake in Woodfibre, under construction near Squamish, B.C., alongside Pacific Energy Corp.
Construction on the pipeline is expected to begin this summer.
Enbridge CEO Greg Ebel said the company is thankful for the support that has brought the Sunrise expansion to fruition at a critical time for Canada.
“The multibillion-dollar Sunrise Expansion Program is a shovel-ready, critical natural gas infrastructure project that supports the advancement of Canada’s energy superpower ambitions,” Ebel said.
“We’re proud of our long history investing and building in Canada and British Columbia, and we’re excited about the role this project will play in increasing economic prosperity and energy security.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 24, 2026.
Lauren Krugel, The Canadian Press
