Enbridge begins hiring for expansions to northern pipeline

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Enbridge has begun the process of hiring workers for three expansion projects along the Westcoast pipeline running from Fort Nelson to the American border. 

During the May 23rd regional meeting of the Peace River Regional District (PRRD), directors reviewed a presentation from Enbridge on the company’s plans for expansion and current projects. 

Jennifer Prochera, advisor for community and Indigenous engagement at Enbridge, spoke with the directors about the company’s intended expansions to the T-North and T-South portions of the natural gas pipeline running from northern B.C. to the American border. 

The company is in the beginning stages of three expansion programs: Aspen Point, Birch Grove and the Sunrise Expansion Program

Enbridge has also begun listing and exploring prospective hires for construction, with estimates suggesting it could require approximately 700 workers at a peak. 

Prochera explained Enbridge has begun working with Working Warriors, an Indigenous-owned platform connecting contractors and candidates, to begin hiring for construction. 

“We’re working on culture and gender safety programs, plans and how we’re going to make sure communities are safe as we’re bringing workers in,” Prochera said. 

The Aspen Point program, an expansion of the T-North section of the Westcoast pipeline, was approved by the Canada Energy Regulator in December 2024, and according to Prochera, is under construction and is planned to be in service by the end of 2026. 

The project includes installing 18 kilometres of pipeline loop in three different locations along the system, three new electric-powered compressor units along the line and 40 kilometres of new transmission powerlines for the aforementioned compressors. 

Prochera explained the project is estimated to be adding 535 million cubic feet per day of natural gas transportation capacity south of the District of Taylor. 

The Sunrise Expansion is a proposed program for the T-South of the Westcoast system, stretching from Chetwynd to the American border, with construction expected to begin in mid-2026 and last until the end of 2028. 

In the Peace River region, Enbridge has proposed an additional compressor unit northeast of Mackenzie, and an approximately 18-kilometre pipeline loop to be built along the pipeline’s existing right-of-way north of Kennedy and McLeod Lake.

The Birch Grove program is another expansion to T-North, planned to add up to 178 million cubic feet per day of natural gas transportation capacity. 

The expansion features 32 kilometres of 36-inch pipeline looping starting southwest of Taylor on the south side of the Peace River, the replacement of 400 metres of pipeline east of Taylor, piping upgrades along the line and three new cooling bays near Sunset Creek. 

Through Working Warriors, Enbridge has begun to gather prospective employees for a variety of jobs. Applications and inquiries can be submitted through the various project profiles online.