First Nations group takes 12.5% stake in Enbridge’s Westcoast pipeline system

Enbridge’s Westcoast system has been the backbone of British Columbia’s natural gas industry since 1957. (Image: Enbridge)

A coalition of 36 First Nations in British Columbia will acquire a 12.5% ownership stake in Enbridge Inc.’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system through a CAD$715 million transaction. The agreement marks one of the largest Indigenous equity investments in Canadian energy infrastructure to date.

The Westcoast system, owned by Westcoast Energy Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge, stretches more than 2,900 km from Fort Nelson in northeastern B.C. and from Gordondale near the B.C.-Alberta border, to the Canada–U.S. border at Huntingdon/Sumas. It transports up to 3.6 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas to customers across B.C., Alberta, and the U.S. Pacific Northwest.

The investment is being led by the Stonlasec8 Indigenous Alliance Limited Partnership (Stonlasec8), representing First Nations communities along the pipeline corridor. To support the deal, the Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation (CILGC), a subsidiary of Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV), has committed a CAD$400 million loan guarantee.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2025, subject to financing completion and customary closing conditions and adjustments.

“Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system is a critical piece of energy infrastructure that has been providing people with the energy they need for more than 65 years,” said Cynthia Hansen, executive vice president and president of Gas Transmission and Midstream at Enbridge. “This transaction provides an opportunity to build on our existing relationships with Indigenous communities and help advance reconciliation.”

Chief David Jimmie, president and chair of Stonlasec8 and Chief of the Squiala First Nation, called the agreement a major milestone.

“Enbridge’s Westcoast pipeline system is a legacy asset that has operated within our traditional territories for over 65 years,” Jimmie said. “Now, our Nations will receive sustained economic benefits from this asset, funding critical investments in housing, infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation. People often ask what economic reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples looks like. This is it.”

Enbridge said the deal reflects a broader strategy to offer Indigenous communities equity participation in energy assets.

“Enbridge’s commitment to advance Indigenous ownership opportunities related to our existing and growing energy assets underlines our efforts to be the First Choice partner for the communities we serve,” said Greg Ebel, President and CEO of Enbridge. “These partnerships – which are part of our Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan – allow Indigenous communities to beneficially invest in our operations and play a greater role in shaping Canada’s energy future.”