West Coast Oil Pipeline Proposal Sparks Debate Over Social License and Reconciliation

A West Coast Oil Pipeline (WCOP) proposal has been announced, aiming to run from Bruderheim, Alberta to Delta, B.C., largely twinning the existing Trans Mountain route. Proponents include Trans Mountain Corporation and Pembina Pipeline.

The Pathways Project has reached an agreement of intent between Alberta, Canada, and the Oil Sands Alliance, with two projects being packaged together. This is a recognition that sometimes you have to work with what you're given.

The path to social license for WCOP faces a distinct challenge in B.C., where trust has been eroded by the impacts of the DRIPA legislation. Recent positive signs suggest economic reconciliation may carry on through regulatory and consultation work ahead.