The Alberta government has formally proposed a new oil pipeline to the West Coast, opting for a southern route that largely mirrors the existing Trans Mountain corridor. Announced in early July 2026 by Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney, the project is estimated to cost between $35.2 billion and $43.7 billion. The pipeline would stretch approximately 1,200 to 1,250 kilometres from Bruderheim, Alberta, to the Roberts Bank Terminal in Delta, B.C., with construction potentially beginning in 2027 and completion targeted for 2032 to 2034.
This proposal marks a significant shift from previous discussions that considered a northern route. By choosing the southern corridor, the project aims to leverage existing infrastructure, which officials argue will reduce regulatory hurdles and environmental impact. The pipeline is structured as a public-private partnership, with the federally owned Trans Mountain Corporation and the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission serving as the primary drivers. Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline Corporation has joined as a private partner, initially holding a 10 per cent economic interest.
The project is designed to increase Canadian oil export capacity to growing Asian markets. To facilitate this, the federal and provincial governments are also negotiating regulatory reforms and growth incentives for major oil producers. The plan includes provisions for Indigenous equity participation, with the Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation and a federal loan guarantee program intended to support First Nations in becoming full partners in the venture.
While the government frames the pipeline as a vital economic investment, the scale of public funding has drawn attention. With the federal and provincial governments controlling 90 per cent of the project, taxpayers are expected to bear the majority of the financial risk. As the proposal moves to the federal Major Projects Office for review, the focus will shift to how the project balances the push for energy sovereignty with long-term economic and environmental considerations.