The proposed West Coast Oil Pipeline (WCOP), a project valued between $35.2 billion and $43.7 billion that would transport Alberta crude from Bruderheim to Roberts Bank along the existing Trans Mountain pipeline corridor, is generating sharply divided reactions across Canada. While the construction industry views the project as a major economic opportunity, environmental organizations and several Indigenous communities are raising concerns, leaving many stakeholders awaiting further details.
Construction associations have welcomed agreements reached between the federal government, British Columbia and Alberta to advance the project. Industry leaders are urging authorities to accelerate the approval process while continuing investments in workforce development and skills training. A decision on the project’s fast-track application before the Major Project Office (MPO) is expected by Oct. 1, with construction targeted to begin in the fall of 2027. Trans Mountain Corporation has been designated to oversee the pipeline’s development, construction and future operations.
At the same time, opposition to the project is already emerging from environmental organizations stretching from the U.S. San Juan Islands to Ottawa. The original Trans Mountain pipeline expansion sparked years of protests involving First Nations, environmental activists, climate groups and even British Columbia’s current NDP government, which unsuccessfully challenged the project in court. Those demonstrations ultimately led to dozens of protesters being jailed after defying court orders.
British Columbia Premier David Eby has confirmed that his government will not pursue legal action against the new proposal, while Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said her administration intends to work closely with Indigenous communities. According to documentation submitted to the MPO, the project would affect 23 Indigenous communities in Alberta, while 85 Indigenous communities in British Columbia have been identified for consultation.
Among those requesting additional information are the Musqueam and Tsawwassen First Nations (TFN), whose traditional territories would be affected by the proposed 1,250-kilometre pipeline.
TFN Executive Councillor Valerie Cross said the nation has not yet been consulted on the proposal.
“We have not been consulted on this proposal. If this project proceeds, we expect to be meaningfully involved from the earliest stages of planning and decision-making.”
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, which manages Roberts Bank, also stated that it has not participated in discussions regarding the proposed pipeline route.
Plans submitted with the proposal indicate that both the Bruderheim Receipt Terminal and the Roberts Bank Delivery Terminal would each include 15 storage tanks capable of holding approximately 6.5 million barrels of oil. The Bruderheim facility would occupy between 50 and 60 hectares, while the Roberts Bank Delivery Terminal and associated marine infrastructure would cover roughly 260 hectares.
The port authority said it is currently reviewing the proposal and assessing its potential implications within the federal review process. It also emphasized that its primary focus remains the delivery of Roberts Bank Terminal 2, describing the expansion as a nation-building project expected to create new industrial land and increase Canada’s annual trade capacity by approximately $100 billion.
Industry representatives have largely welcomed the proposal.
Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) CEO Chris Gardner described the pipeline as positive news, saying it supports Canada’s efforts to diversify energy exports beyond the U.S. market.
According to Gardner, the project reflects a broader strategy to strengthen exports of Alberta oil, liquefied natural gas from northern British Columbia and other natural resources, including mining products.
He also said the proposal sends an important message internationally that Canada is prepared to supply energy resources, noting that countries including Japan, Poland and Germany have previously expressed interest in Canadian LNG.
“The new prime minister has shown that we want to talk to them,” Gardner said.
Gardner believes British Columbia has both the skilled workforce and labour capacity required to build the WCOP alongside other major infrastructure projects included in previously signed Memorandums of Understanding supported by federal funding.
However, he cautioned that one of the province’s longstanding challenges has been delays in moving projects into construction, stressing that approvals and implementation must happen more quickly.
British Columbia Construction Association President Chris Atchison also welcomed the announcement, saying it demonstrates governments working together on infrastructure capable of strengthening Canada’s economy while creating jobs and opportunities across British Columbia.
He said nationally significant infrastructure projects require long-term planning, investment certainty and coordinated decision-making.
“That collaboration gives industry greater confidence to invest in people, equipment and the capacity needed to deliver major projects,” Atchison said.
The Alberta Construction Association (ACA) also expressed strong support for the project.
Executive Director Warren Singh said the industry has long advocated for greater certainty surrounding major infrastructure developments and export projects, adding that the WCOP would benefit thousands of construction employers and workers.
Singh emphasized that opportunities created by the pipeline extend far beyond pipe installation alone.
According to him, projects of this scale generate demand across engineering, fabrication, earthworks, concrete construction, transportation, utilities, buildings, workforce camps, environmental services and long-term operational infrastructure.
He nevertheless warned that workforce availability remains the industry’s greatest long-term challenge, reinforcing the importance of continued investments in recruitment, training and employee retention.
Singh also encouraged governments to provide greater project clarity and engage with industry early in the planning process.
He said early market engagement, realistic construction schedules and transparent procurement practices allow contractors to prepare labour, equipment and capital investments well before work begins.
The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada also endorsed the proposal’s fast-tracked review.
President Paul de Jong said his organization supports a more streamlined and predictable regulatory process, while stressing that the project should be delivered efficiently, competitively and with equal opportunities for qualified Canadian contractors and skilled workers.
According to de Jong, fair and competitive procurement improves project delivery while creating additional opportunities for workers and apprentices and ensuring better value for taxpayers.
Labour organizations have also voiced their support.
BC Federation of Labour President Sussanne Skidmore described the investment as a historic opportunity to build a stronger and more inclusive workforce through Project Labour Agreements and initiatives involving organizations such as the BC Centre for Women in the Trades.
Environmental organizations, however, remain firmly opposed.
The Green Party of Canada has labelled the proposal “a deal from hell,” arguing it represents another threat to marine ecosystems following the approval of Roberts Bank Terminal 2.
Green Party leader Elizabeth May criticized the project, saying:
“This project wins big with $10 billion in federal subsidies, all to grease the skids of a climate-killing pipeline.”
Opposition has also come from Bloc Québécois MP Patrick Bonin, NDP MP Leah Gazan, Emilia Belliveau of Environmental Defence, Anne-Céline Guyon of Nature Québec, Anna Johnston of West Coast Environmental Law and Robb Barnes of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment.
The Friends of the San Juans organization has likewise expressed concerns about increased tanker traffic and the heightened risk of marine oil spills.
The complete project report submitted to the Major Project Office is available through the federal review process.
