Construction begins on natural gas pipeline spanning near Canada-U.S. border near Abbotsford

ABBOTSFORD — Shovels are deep underground for Enbridge Inc.’s $4 billion natural gas pipeline expansion spanning from northeastern B.C. down to the Canada-U.S. border near Abbotsford.

Enbridge CEO Greg Ebel, Federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson, B.C. Economic Development Minister Ravi Kahlon and Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Chief Dolleen Logan gathered at a pipeline storage yard in Prince George to kick off construction on the Sunrise Expansion Program Monday, July 20.

“The signatures on the pipe are a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together as Canadians as we work to become a global energy leader,” said Ali Hendi, expansion project lead. “Projects like this are an important part of achieving that goal and creating local jobs, business opportunities and long-term economic benefits for communities throughout B.C.”

Enbridge says roughly 900 construction workers are expected to be working during peak construction season in the Fraser Valley, which in turn will support local accommodations and hospitality service industries.

Local workers and businesses are encouraged to complete an opportunities form online if they are interested in working or offering services for the project.

The 140 kilometres of new pipe is set to be done by the end of 2028 and is expected to add 300 million cubic feet of natural gas transportation capacity to the provincial pipeline system every day.