Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer
Ontario has awarded a contract to study the feasibility of a new cross-country pipeline and energy corridor that would move western Canadian oil and gas to refineries in southern Ontario and potential export routes on James Bay, Hudson Bay and the Great Lakes.
The study, announced Monday, will examine route options, costs and supporting infrastructure, along with potential links to other provincial priorities such as all-season roads to the Ring of Fire, mineral export routes, electricity grid upgrades and a strategic petroleum reserve. Results are expected next year.
The initiative is backed by Alberta and Saskatchewan, which have promoted new domestic and international markets for their energy products as the United States remains the dominant buyer of Canadian oil and gas. The three provinces have previously signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on energy and trade infrastructure and nuclear development.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said an east-west corridor could help secure domestic energy supplies, expand export opportunities and support manufacturing and steel production in Canada. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said additional pipeline capacity would support plans to increase oil and gas output.
Ontario officials say the project would be built entirely within Canada and include consultation with Indigenous communities, including pathways for equity participation.
The provincial government has not released cost estimates for the potential corridor. Federal approval would likely be required for pipeline construction and export infrastructure.
Environmental groups and energy analysts have previously raised questions about long-term demand for fossil fuels and the financial viability of new large-scale pipeline projects. No federal funding or support has been announced.
