Birch Grove gets the green light near Taylor
A $400-million expansion of Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system has cleared a major regulatory hurdle, with construction now expected to get underway early next year just southwest of Taylor.
The Canada Energy Regulator has approved the Birch Grove Program, which will add roughly 32 kilometres of 36-inch pipeline alongside the existing system, about 16 kilometres southwest of the community.
Westcoast Energy Limited Partnership, an Enbridge affiliate, is now planning to begin construction in the first quarter of 2027, a little earlier than the previously anticipated second-quarter start.
For the North Peace, that work is expected to bring a fairly sizeable construction presence with it.
Enbridge says more than 600 workers could be employed at the peak of construction, creating additional demand for hotels, restaurants and other services around nearby communities.
The company estimates the project will contribute approximately $168 million to the B.C. economy.
“We appreciate the timely regulatory approval of the Birch Grove Program and are excited to advance this critical energy infrastructure project,” said Kaitlyn Beckett, senior project manager and Birch Grove Program lead with Enbridge.
“Timely and predictable regulatory decisions provide the certainty needed to move major projects forward. Canada is increasingly recognizing the importance of building energy infrastructure to diversify our economy, expand access to global markets through LNG exports and create economic prosperity here at home. Birch Grove will help to advance these ambitions while creating jobs and business opportunities for Canadians.”
Along with the new pipeline, upgrades and modifications are planned at Compressor Station 01 in Taylor and Compressor Station 16 in Groundbirch.
Once everything is up and running, Enbridge says Birch Grove will add 178 million cubic feet per day of natural gas transportation capacity to the Westcoast system.
The project is currently targeted to be in service by the third quarter of 2028.
Enbridge says the additional capacity is intended to help meet growing regional demand for natural gas while also supporting potential LNG exports from Canada’s West Coast.
“We’re excited to move forward with construction planning and build on the work already underway to expand natural gas transportation capacity on the Westcoast natural gas pipeline system,” Beckett said.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Indigenous groups, local communities and other stakeholders as the project moves toward construction.”
For communities around Taylor and the North Peace, much of the immediate impact will come well before gas begins moving through the new line.
If Enbridge’s construction estimates hold, hundreds of workers will be moving through the area beginning next year, with local hotels, restaurants and other businesses likely to see some of that activity along the way.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with Birch Grove targeted to be operating by the third quarter of 2028.
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