TC Energy natural gas pipeline project could bring 400 workers to area next year

TC Energy is proposing a natural gas pipeline in the Lakeland area that could bring a few hundred workers to the area next year.

The company formerly known as Trans Canada Energy presented to Cold Lake city council in October outlining an overview of the project, called the Saddle Lake Lateral Loop.

The proposed project will expand the natural gas production to the growing demand in northeast Alberta and northwest Saskatchewan, the presentation stated, outside of Cold Lake in the Cherry Grove area.

It will bring 400 workers to the region and will stretch 14 kilometres within the M.D. of Bonnyville.

“We know that we have a lot of stuff that divisions in the area that have a hard time getting natural gas, here’s a great opportunity for people to tie into this line and better service the area,” said Mayor Craig Copeland on The Morning After.

“We need every bit of help that we can in this area for the hotels, restaurants, and of course, for the welders and everybody in the area. It’s an opportunity maybe to get on and get some work locally,” he said.

The pipeline project consists of a new 20-inch, 20-kilometre pipeline loop, replacing the existing 10-inch, 20-kilometre pipeline section, that’s currently in place.

The project will begin next year and an open house in Cold Lake is slated for November, the presentation stated.

TC Energy will present to M.D. council later this month.

TC Energy is a trans-continental company with operations in Canada, the United States and Mexico.