Fact sheet: Aspen Point Program
The project includes the addition of pipeline looping, new compressor units, a new meter station, and other required compressor station modifications.
Aspen Point Program
Westcoast Energy Inc. (Westcoast), an Enbridge Inc. (Enbridge) company, is proposing an expansion of the T-North section of its BC Pipeline to serve growing regional demand for natural gas and potential west coast LNG exports. The expansion project is called the Aspen Point Program (Project).
With a preliminary capital cost of C$1.2 billion, the project will provide up to 535 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) of new transportation capacity. The gas is used to heat homes, businesses, hospitals and schools. It is also used as a fuel for electric power generation and is a staple in a number of industrial and manufacturing processes that produce hundreds of products that improve our lives.
The T-North expansion project currently includes the installation of three pipeline segments, three electric-driven compressor units with powerlines, a new meter station, and modifications to existing compressor stations.
The Project is expected to be placed in service in 2026. Westcoast plans to file an application with the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) in early 2024. Meanwhile, regulatory and permitting processes has begun to facilitate feasibility studies and construction activities. Surveys, environmental studies, archaeological assessments and geotechnical field work are expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
Preliminary project timelines:
- Field studies: Q4 2022-Q4 2023
- Engineering: Q4 2022-Q2 2024
- Regulatory application submission (CER): Q1 2024
- Construction activities begin: Q2 2025
- In-service: Q4 2026
The BC Pipeline has been the backbone of the province’s natural gas industry since 1957, serving markets throughout BC and the Lower Mainland, the U.S. Pacific Northwest, and beyond with abundant, affordable, safe and clean Canadian natural gas.
(click image to enlarge project map)
Project overview:
- Type: Natural gas pipeline expansion
- Status: Proposed
- Capacity expansion: 535 MMcf/d
- Expected to transport: Natural gas
- In-service target date: 2026
- Ownership: Enbridge Inc.
- Operator: Westcoast Energy Inc.
Project Information:
Pipeline Segments
A total of approximately 17 kilometres (km) of new pipeline segments is currently anticipated, which would include:
- approximately 8 km of new 24-inch-diameter pipeline looping of the existing Aitken Creek pipeline.
- approximately 8 km of new 36-inch-diameter pipeline looping of the existing Fort St. John Mainline.
- approximately 1 km of new 30-inch-diameter pipeline which will connect Compressor Station (CS-1B) into the existing Alberta Mainline.
