Construction begins on $4-billion Enbridge natural gas pipeline expansion in B.C.

Enbridge plans to build 11 looping segments parallel to the existing pipeline, and also boost throughput through compression and other upgrades. The Sunrise project is using Canadian melted and poured steel supplied by InterPro Pipe and Steel in Saskatchewan.

The federal government approved the Sunrise Expansion in April.

Tim Hodgson, the federal natural resources minister, said the quick timeline shows how “Canada has gone from delay to delivery while not losing sight of environmental protection or Indigenous rights and partnerships.”

Canadians have asked whether the country “can still get big things done” and attract the investment it needs, he added.

“Standing here today, I think the answer to those questions is clear: Canada can build big things, Canada will build big things and Canada is building big things today.

Enbridge first announced the expansion four years ago. It was not one of the major projects to be reviewed under an expedited federal process established last year, as it was already well advanced.

In April, after the federal go-ahead was announced, federal Conservative Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre said: “Oh, finally. It took them forever. This is an expansion of an existing project that took far too long for the Liberals to consider.”

On Monday, the federal government said Sunrise will help ensure supplies are available to liquefied natural gas export facilities on the West Coast while meeting local needs. Ebel said the resource moving through Sunrise will not be going offshore as liquefied natural gas; about half will be used domestically in B.C., while the rest will be exported via its Westcoast system to the U.S. Pacific Northwest.

Enbridge holds a 30 per cent stake in the Woodfibre LNG export terminal under construction in Squamish, B.C.

Last year, an alliance of 38 Indigenous communities in B.C. acquired a 12.5 per cent stake in the existing Westcoast. Enbridge has previously said those groups are not obligated to take on equity of the expansion, but have the option to do so.

Chief Dolleen Logan of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation said the Sunrise project means more than just new infrastructure to Indigenous communities along its path.

“It reflects what is possible when First Nations are involved as partners from the beginning — not simply informed by engaging, but in shaping projects that will impact our lands and our communities.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 20, 2026.

— By Lauren Krugel in Calgary.

Companies in this story: (TSX:ENB)

The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Construction begins on $4-billion Enbridge natural gas pipeline expansion in B.C.

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