Danielle Smith narrows Alberta oil pipeline options, potentially complicating route to B.C. coast

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Kitimat is no longer being considered for a proposed oil pipeline to the B.C. coast, and the province's description of a preferred port more closely aligns with Prince Rupert.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced that Kitimat will not be one of the ports considered for a proposed oil pipeline to the B.C. coast. The proposal is part of a memorandum of understanding with the federal government that requires a route to be delivered later this year. The province says it is looking for a deep-water port with limited additional navigation, a description that more closely matches Prince Rupert than Kitimat. There is no private proponent so far, and the agreement envisions early consultation and design work before the project would be referred to federal review bodies. Key facts: - Smith said Kitimat is not on the table as a port option for the proposed pipeline. - The province described a preference for a deep-water port that would not require extensive additional navigation. - That description aligns more closely with Prince Rupert; Enbridge previously considered both Kitimat and Prince Rupert for the earlier Northern Gateway application. - The memorandum of understanding calls for early consultation and design work, followed by referral to federal review authorities; the agreement also contemplates the possibility of lifting parts of the tanker ban on B.C.'s northwest coast if required. - B.C. Premier David Eby opposes a pipeline on the northwest coast and has expressed concern about potential spill impacts, while he supports expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline. Summary: Narrowing the list of potential ports removes the previously mentioned Kitimat option and shifts attention toward other locations such as Prince Rupert, which carries its own technical and environmental considerations. Undetermined at this time.