Pipeline construction. (Image Credit: Sunrise Expansion Program.)

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Federal regulator backs project that would bring construction jobs to the Fraser Valley, meet energy demand

Feb 3, 2026 | 4:49 PM

FRASER VALLEY – Canada’s federal energy regulator has expressed support for the proposed expansion of the Westcoast pipeline system, a project that if approved would bring nearly a thousand construction-related jobs to the Fraser Valley.

According to a statement from Enbridge, the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) has issued a report recommending approval of the Sunrise Expansion Program, the proposed expansion of the Westcoast pipeline system. The Canada Energy Regulator’s mission is to keep energy moving safely across the country. It reviews energy development projects and shares energy information, all while enforcing some of the strictest safety and environmental standards in the world.

This $4 billion project is an expansion of the southern portion of the Westcoast natural gas pipeline system in B.C. to meet the growing demand for natural gas. 

Pipeline project area. (Image Credit: Sunrise Expansion Program.)

Enbridge says the CER’s recommendation report will be considered by the federal government in deciding whether the project should proceed. If ratified, construction is expected to begin by the second quarter of 2026, with the project targeted to start operations by the end of 2028. Once completed, it will add 300 million cubic feet per day of natural gas transportation capacity to the system.

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In the Fraser Valley, the company says the project is projected to employ over 700 highly-skilled workers and almost 200 workers for the compressor station during the peak construction period. Local communities and businesses will also benefit from increased demand from workers for accommodations, restaurants and other services, the company projected.

This project will also remit taxes to the provincial, regional and municipal governments, which helps pay for schools, hospitals, roads, and other public infrastructure.

Across the province, over 2,500 workers are estimated to be employed during the project’s peak construction period, and the project is expected to contribute more than $3 billion to Canada’s economy. 

“We welcome the Canada Energy Regulator’s recommendation to approve the Sunrise Expansion Program,” said Ali Hendi, Enbridge Director of Projects and Sunrise Expansion Program project lead. “We encourage the federal government to quickly issue its decision to allow construction to begin by the second quarter of this year.”

“By moving forward now, this project will help to strengthen the Canadian economy. This is a shovel-ready, critical energy infrastructure project that’s essential to advancing Canada’s energy superpower ambitions. It will play a role in increasing economic prosperity and will increase energy security.”

Since early 2023, extensive environmental and engagement work has been undertaken for this project in collaboration with Indigenous groups, local communities, and other stakeholders. This has resulted in over 80 letters of support submitted to the CER.