The provincial government is outlining plans for an oil pipeline connecting southwestern Ontario to Alberta.
The Northern Shield Energy Corridor is a proposed 3300-kilometre crude pipeline and energy corridor designed to transport up to 800,000 barrels of oil per day from Hardisty, Alberta, to the refining hub in Sarnia.
Announced by Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith earlier this month, the so-called nation-building project aims to bolster Canada’s energy independence, bypass vulnerable U.S. transit routes, and support domestic manufacturing using Canadian steel.
The primary corridor would initially transport 500,000 barrels per day of crude oil, with engineered capacity to expand to 800,000 barrels per day.
Provincial officials say the project would protect thousands of existing manufacturing, refining and energy jobs across the Sarnia region, while creating thousands of new good-paying opportunities for Ontario workers during construction and long-term operations.
The project is currently in the feasibility study phase, which is being overseen by Infrastructure Ontario and a consortium of consulting firms. This study is expected to be completed by the end of the year, and will evaluate estimated costs and commercial models.
