Infrastructure Ontario has appointed AtkinsRéalis as a feasibility study partner for its proposed East-West Pipeline and Energy Corridor project to connect oil and gas from Alberta and Saskatchewan to existing or new refineries in southern Ontario, and new ports on James Bay, Hudson Bay or the Great Lakes.
As a project partner, the global engineering services firm will provide technical expertise in marine and port infrastructure: including port siting and terminal feasibility with multiple AtkinsRéalis teams across Canada supporting other project partners including GHD, Ernst & Young LLP (EY Canada), Wood PLC, Turner & Townsend Limited, and Mokwateh.
This nation-building pipeline and energy corridor will unite our country and help unlock new markets for Canada's energy resources that will reduce our dependence on the United States, all while creating new jobs and opportunities for Canadian workers from coast to coast to coast.
Bolstering Canadian energy security
During the summer, Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan signed an MOU committing the three provinces to identify areas for future collaboration that would spur Canadian employment and economic prosperity. These include new energy and trade infrastructure for critical minerals and natural resources. Stemming from this MOU, the proposed Canadian East-West Pipeline and Energy Corridor would ensure a reliable, domestic supply of energy for Canadian homes, transportation, and businesses, as well as for export to other countries as a responsibly sourced and produced energy product from a G7 ally. The pipelines would be built in Canada, supporting Canadian manufacturing jobs.
The feasibility study, which will be finished this year, will focus on assessing land corridors, site options, and cost analyses of the project. It will also evaluate complementary development opportunities across Ontario: such as all-season roads to the Ring of Fire, mineral exports, electricity grid upgrades, and the establishment of a strategic petroleum reserve.
"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 United States," explains The Hon Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario. "This nation-building pipeline and energy corridor will unite our country and help unlock new markets for Canada's energy resources that will reduce our dependence on the United States, all while creating new jobs and opportunities for Canadian workers from coast to coast to coast."
"We know that with new energy infrastructure, we can truly unlock our potential as an energy superpower. This corridor will strengthen Canadian energy independence, keep costs down for families and ensure Canadian interests always prevail," adds Stephen Lecce MPP, Ontario's Minister of Energy and Mines.
As the study moves forward, the Ontario government will undertake engagement and consultation with Indigenous communities. AtkinsRéalis has experience engaging in projects with First Nations in northern Ontario for the Ring of Fire critical minerals deposit, such as with the Webequie First Nations for the Northern Link Road, and welcomes the involvement of Indigenous consulting firm Mokwateh in the corridor study.
