Canada approves Enbridge’s $4 billion Sunrise expansion to boost B.C. gas capacity

The Canadian government has approved Enbridge’s $4 billion Sunrise Expansion Program in British Columbia, clearing the way for a major natural gas infrastructure buildout designed to increase supply across the province and support rising LNG export demand from Canada’s West Coast.

Announced by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, the project will expand Enbridge’s Westcoast pipeline system and add up to 300 MMcf/d of incremental transportation capacity to British Columbia’s primary natural gas transmission corridor. The additional volumes are expected to serve residential and commercial demand, industrial users and future LNG export facilities, including Woodfibre LNG.

The Sunrise Expansion Program will add roughly 139 kilometers of new pipeline through 11 looping segments installed parallel to the existing Westcoast system. The project also includes additional natural gas compression and modifications to existing facilities, making it one of the most significant recent expansions of pipeline and compression infrastructure in western Canada.

Construction is expected to begin this summer. Once complete, the project will expand gas delivery across British Columbia while improving feedgas availability for LNG exports aimed at Asian markets, part of Canada’s broader strategy to diversify trade and strengthen its role in global gas supply. The federal government said the expansion could contribute more than $3 billion to Canada’s GDP and generate more than $700 million in federal and provincial tax revenue.

The Sunrise project is expected to create 2,500 jobs during peak construction, including opportunities for Indigenous communities and contractors. Enbridge said it has already spent more than $52 million with Indigenous-owned businesses tied to the project.

Greg Ebel, Enbridge’s president and CEO, said the Sunrise Expansion is a shovel-ready project that supports Canada’s ambition to strengthen energy security and expand export capacity. He said the project will play an important role in improving economic competitiveness while supporting long-term natural gas demand growth.

The project also carries significant Indigenous participation. Enbridge’s Westcoast system is about 12.5% owned by the Stonlasec8 Indigenous Alliance Limited Partnership, which represents 38 Indigenous groups in British Columbia.

The Canada Energy Regulator recommended approval of the project, subject to 47 binding conditions covering environmental protection, safety and Indigenous consultation. Federal officials said the approval reflects the government’s push to accelerate major energy infrastructure development while maintaining regulatory oversight and consultation standards.