Westcoast Energy Limited Partnership says a proposed pipeline expansion in northeastern British Columbia could bring jobs and new business opportunities to communities near Taylor and Groundbirch.
The Enbridge affiliate has applied to the Canada Energy Regulator to expand the northern section of its natural gas pipeline system through the Birch Grove Program. The company said the project is intended to meet growing demand and support potential West Coast LNG exports, but also emphasized local economic benefits.
“If we get approval, that would mean creation of jobs and business opportunities in the local community up in the Taylor area, in Groundbirch, as well as in Sunset Creek area,” said Rawnna Low, senior communications advisor for Enbridge.
The project is expected to employ about 700 workers at peak construction.
Work would include installing about 32 kilometres of new 36-inch pipeline roughly 16 kilometres southwest of Taylor, and replacing about 400 metres of pipeline one kilometre east of the community.
Upgrades are also planned for Compressor Station 01 in Taylor and Compressor Station 16 northeast of Groundbirch to handle increased gas volumes.
Construction could begin as early as the second quarter of 2027, with the system targeted to be in service by the third quarter of 2028.
Westcoast said it has been consulting with Indigenous groups, communities and stakeholders since early 2025, including on environmental and archaeological studies.
“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 Kaitlyn Beckett, senior project manager and Birch Grove Program lead at Enbridge.
The company estimates the project will contribute $168 million to the provincial economy during construction and operation.
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