TAYLOR, B.C. - Enbridge says a major expansion of its Westcoast natural gas pipeline system in northeastern British Columbia is now complete.
The company announced Tuesday that construction has finished on the Aspen Point Program, a $1.2 billion project designed to increase natural gas transportation capacity and support growing domestic demand and West Coast LNG exports.
To mark the milestone, Enbridge held a celebration at Compressor Station 1B Wǫchiigii, located south of Taylor, alongside Indigenous leaders, regional officials, project partners and employees.
During the event, Ali Hendi, Enbridge’s Director of Projects, and Starr Acko of Doig River First Nation unveiled signage for the facility, which is the first electric-powered compressor station on the Westcoast pipeline system.
The station’s Danee-zaa name, Wǫchiigii, meaning Peace River, was selected by Doig River First Nation and reflects the partnership between the Nation and Enbridge throughout the project, according to the company.
The Aspen Point Program includes three electric-powered compressor stations, 40 kilometres of power lines and 18 kilometres of new pipeline segments installed along the existing Westcoast pipeline corridor.
Enbridge says the expansion will add 535 million cubic feet per day of natural gas transportation capacity to the system, helping move more gas to regional markets and LNG export facilities on the West Coast.
The company said the project was identified by the B.C. government as a priority infrastructure project supporting economic growth and energy reliability.
More than 1,000 construction workers were employed during construction, which was completed on schedule following federal regulatory approval in December 2024.
Enbridge also says more than $221 million was spent on work completed by Indigenous workers and businesses during the project.
“Projects like the Aspen Point Program are about more than building infrastructure,” said Dave Challoner, Enbridge manager of projects and Aspen Point Program lead. “They help to strengthen energy security and affordability by connecting B.C. natural gas to growing domestic and international markets, which supports economic growth and long-term prosperity.”
Challoner added that the new electric-powered compressor stations support Enbridge’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2050 while modernizing the Westcoast pipeline system.