The Ontario government last week awarded a contract to complete a feasibility study to establish a new Canadian East-West pipeline and energy corridor. The study “will explore the benefits of building new pipelines with Canadian steel” to carry Western Canadian oil and natural gas from Alberta and Saskatchewan to refineries in southern Ontario and potentially to proposed ports on James Bay, Hudson Bay, and the Great Lakes.
Refineries in southern Ontario include Imperial Oil Ltd.’s 113,500-b/d Nanticoke plant, Suncor Energy Inc.’s 85,000-b/d Sarnia plant, and the 85,000-b/d refinery component of Shell Canada’s Sarnia Manufacturing Centre.
The feasibility study will be completed by end 2026, delivering corridor and site options and cost analysis. It will also evaluate complementary development opportunities across Ontario, such as all-season roads for the province’s Ring of Fire region, mineral exports, grid upgrades, and a strategic petroleum reserve.
The study will be undertaken by an advisory team consisting of GHD Ltd., Ernst & Young LLP (EY Canada), Mokwateh, AtkinsRéalis Group Inc., Wood PLC, and Turner & Townsend Ltd., along with Infrastructure Ontario which will act as commercial advisor.
“We’re delivering on our plan to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy for Ontario and Canada and creating jobs for workers in the face of tariffs from the US,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
“We’re taking bold action to grow our economy, build real infrastructure, and get major projects moving again,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. “Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan are proving what’s possible when provinces lead and stand together to advance a shared vision of responsible development, economic freedom, and common sense. That means standing up for our energy sector and ensuring our world-class resources reach the markets that need them, so Canadians can prosper from the opportunities we create here at home.”
