The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) is recommending that Federal cabinet approve NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd.’s (NGTL) North Corridor Expansion Project (Project).

The Project seeks to construct and operate approximately 81 km of looped pipeline, in three different sections, and associated facilities in northwestern Alberta. The expansion of the NGTL system is to transport gas from the Peace River Project Area to growing intra-basin markets located in the North of Bens Area.

After considering the evidence and submissions presented by all Parties, the Commission found that the Project is in the Canadian public interest. As a part of its recommendation, the Commission included 34 conditions related to, among others, construction activities, safety measures and standards, environmental monitoring, caribou habitat protection and matters related to Indigenous peoples.

A total of 26 Indigenous peoples were identified as being potentially affected or having an interest in the Project and were invited to participate in the hearing process. The Commission is of the view that any potential Project impacts on the rights and interests of affected Indigenous peoples can be effectively addressed by the mitigation measures, accommodations, and commitments made by NGTL, and the conditions recommended and imposed by the Commission.

Approximately 76 km (95 per cent) of the pipeline route parallels the existing NGTL Right of Way (ROW) or other existing linear disturbances (pipelines, roads, power lines). The Commission notes that NGTL took into consideration input from landowners, occupants, land users, Indigenous peoples and environmental studies in determining the proposed route.

If Federal cabinet approves this project, the Commission will monitor and enforce compliance with all conditions using audits, inspections and other compliance and enforcement tools.