Alberta, Ontario premiers announce proposed route for crude oil pipeline and energy corridor
Posted July 6, 2026 6:46 am.
Last Updated July 6, 2026 12:08 pm.
The Alberta and Ontario governments have announced a proposed route for a crude oil pipeline and energy corridor connecting the two provinces over 3,300 kilometres.
Premier Danielle Smith and Ontario Premier Doug Ford made the announcement in Calgary on Monday morning, revealing the Northern Shield Corridor would ship 500,000 barrels of oil per day from Hardisty, Alta, to Sarnia, Ont.
The governments say the project could eventually expand to 800,000 barrels. It would move through Regina and Winnipeg before ending in Sarnia.
“This project is about making Canada stronger,” says Smith. “By connecting Alberta’s energy with Canadian refineries and markets, we can create jobs, grow our economy and make better use of the world-class resources we already have.”
It is to be built exclusively in Canada, aiming to “reduce Canada’s reliance on foreign markets” while providing redundancy for existing infrastructure and adding capacity at refineries in Sarnia.
The Ontario government says the pipeline would strengthen national security and domestic supply chains and create new jobs for Canadian workers.
“We are an economic powerhouse around the world, and now we have to unleash that powerhouse,” said Ford. “This is a race to see who’s first out of the gate, and team Canada plans on being first out of the gate.”
The proposed pipeline stems from a memorandum of understanding between the two provinces and Saskatchewan in 2025, which called for pipelines to be built using Ontario steel.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also endorsed the corridor, calling it a generator of “national wealth.”
Project costs are still being determined, and a feasibility study will examine development opportunities, such as grid upgrades and potential strategic petroleum reserves. The study is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Additionally, Ontario says it has consulted with Indigenous partners and communities and supports Indigenous involvement in nation-building projects.
An advisory team comprising GHD Limited, Ernst & Young LLP (EY Canada), Mokwateh, AtkinsRéalis Group Inc., Wood PLC, and Turner & Townsend Limited is expected to deliver the study. Infrastructure Ontario, acting as Commercial Advisor, is leading and overseeing the advisory team.
With files from The Canadian Press
