Last updated: June 10, 2026
Westcoast Energy Limited Partnership, an Enbridge affiliate, owns and operates the Westcoast Pipeline system. The Sunrise Expansion Program will expand natural gas transmission capacity by 300 million cubic feet per day. The project includes:
The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) is responsible for reviewing permit applications and associated decisions for the portions of pipeline construction activities in B.C., including:
Compliance and Enforcement
Throughout construction and the project lifecycle, the BCER conducts regular inspections to verify compliance with regulatory requirements. The frequency of inspections depends on the type and pace of construction or operations. Project-specific inspection records and compliance and enforcement documents will be available as the project progresses.
Project Proponent: Westcoast Energy Limited Partnership (Westcoast), an Enbridge affiliate
April 2026
Project approved by the Canada Energy Regulator
Summer 2026
Construction targeted to start
Permits for natural gas pipelines, LNG facilities, renewable (wind and solar), and transmission line projects are required before construction can start. Applications go through a thorough permitting process, described in our Review Applications page. Approvals, issued under the Energy Resource Activities Act (ERAA), contain specific conditions and requirements that proponents must meet to be in compliance with BCER permits.
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There are various types of permits issued by the BC Energy Regulator for major projects, throughout the different phases of design and construction. Permits that have been issued to date for a particular project can be viewed below.
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