Pipeline expansion proposed near Taylor

Westcoast Energy Limited Partnership which is an affiliate of Enbridge, has filed an application with the Canada Energy Regulator to expand the northern section of its natural gas pipeline system according to officials.

The proposal is known as the Birch Grove Program and is intended to address growing regional demand for natural gas and support potential west coast LNG exports.

The project would include the installation of around 32 kilometers of 36-inch pipeline running parallel to the existing system, located about 16 kilometers southwest of Taylor. It also involves replacing roughly 400 meters of pipeline about one kilometer east of the community according to officials.

Upgrades would be required at existing compressor stations such as CS-01 in Taylor and CS-16 northeast of Groundbirch according to the release, to handle increased gas volumes.

Westcoast states it has been engaging with local communities, Indigenous groups and other stakeholders since early 2025. Those engagements include environmental, archaeological and geotechnical studies, which were completed in collaboration with Indigenous groups that provided feedback to help shape the project.

“We look forward to continuing our work with Indigenous groups and communities as we advance the Birch Grove Program. If approved, this project would help to increase economic prosperity and energy security in B.C.” said Kaitlyn Beckett, Senior Project Manager and Birch Grove Program Lead, Enbridge.

Construction could begin as early as the second quarter of 2027 If approved, with more than 700 workers expected at peak according to the release.

The project is expected to bring $168 million to the provincial economy through construction and ongoing operations.

“To date, more than $3 million has already been spent with Indigenous businesses supporting project work. If approved, the project would also create hundreds of construction jobs and additional business opportunities, contributing to the local and provincial economy,” said Beckett.

Westcoast is targeting the third quarter of 2028 for the project to be operational. Once complete, it would add 178 million cubic feet per day of capacity to the T-North natural gas pipeline system.

Natural gas transported through the system is used for heating homes, businesses, schools and hospitals, as well as for power generation, manufacturing and LNG export.