Westcoast Energy Limited Partnership (Westcoast) has filed an application with the Canada Energy Regulator for its proposed Birch Grove Program, a natural gas transmission expansion designed to increase capacity on the company’s T-North pipeline system in northeastern British Columbia. The project would add up to 178 MMcf/d (5.04 x 106 m3/d) of transportation capacity through a combination of pipeline looping, pressure restoration work, and upgrades at existing compressor stations, with an anticipated in-service date in the third quarter of 2028.
The proposed scope includes approximately 20 miles (32 km) of new pipeline looping near Taylor, British Columbia; restoration of maximum operating pressure on a section of the Boundary Lake Pipeline; and modifications at Compressor Stations 01, 02, and 16. Planned station work includes cooling facility additions, piping and filtration upgrades, control-system modifications, and other tie-in work within existing station boundaries. At Compressor Station 16, Westcoast has proposed the installation of two new cooling bays to help manage higher gas volumes and temperatures.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027 pending regulatory approval. According to Westcoast and Enbridge, the project is intended to support growing regional natural gas demand and future liquefied natural gas export opportunities from Western Canada.
