Guide · updated October 12, 2026

Trans Mountain expansion: capacity, optimization projects and status (2026)

Where the Trans Mountain pipeline stands in 2026: capacity after the expansion, the Drag Reducing Agent and Mainline Optimization projects to reach about 1.19 million bbl/d, and the related West Coast pipeline proposals.

The expanded Trans Mountain system now carries about 890,000 bbl/d from Strathcona County to Burnaby. Trans Mountain Corporation is working on two steps to lift that to about 1.19 million bbl/d. The first is the Drag Reducing Agent project, which is approved and under construction. The second is the Mainline Optimization Project, filed with the Canada Energy Regulator, which would add about 210,000 bbl/d. It uses upgrades at 12 existing pump stations, DRA units at five locations, nine new valves, and work inside the Edmonton, Sumas and Burnaby terminal fences. Both are subject to final investment decisions and approvals.

Separately, the July 2026 Canada–Alberta–Oil Sands Alliance MOU says Canada is pursuing a further Trans Mountain expansion of 300,000–400,000 bbl/d. Alberta is the initial proponent for a new 1 million bbl/d West Coast oil pipeline. The tracked projects tied to that corridor are below.

In this guide

  1. Pacific Link oil pipeline
  2. Trans Mountain optimization (DRA and Mainline Optimization Project)
  3. Canadian Natural growth projects (on hold)
  4. Suncor Base Mine Extension (proposed)

Alberta · Pipeline · Bruderheim–Delta

Pacific Link is now a national-interest project; construction is at least a year out.

  • Status: Listed Oct 1 under the Building Canada Act
  • Next: MPO conditions document; earliest start Sep 1, 2027
  • Disclosed cost: C$35.2–43.7B (preliminary, incl. contingency)
  • Owner: Trans Mountain Corp. and APMC (equal); Pembina 10%, plus up to 10% more at COD
  • In service: 2032–2034

Sources:

Trans Mountain optimization (DRA and Mainline Optimization Project)

British Columbia · Pipeline · Strathcona County AB to Burnaby BC

Trans Mountain plans to lift capacity from about 890,000 to 1.19 million bbl/d.

  • Status: Drag Reducing Agent project under construction; Mainline Optimization Project application filed with the CER
  • Next: CER review of the MOP; both projects subject to final investment decisions
  • Disclosed cost: Not publicly disclosed
  • Owner: Trans Mountain Corporation

Sources:

Canadian Natural growth projects (on hold)

Alberta · Oil sands · Athabasca region

Pike 2, Jackfish and a new Jackpine mine wait on federal–Alberta agreements due November 2026.

  • Status: On hold until definitive Oil Sands Alliance–Alberta–federal agreements are finalized
  • Next: Agreements targeted November 2026
  • Disclosed cost: Not publicly disclosed
  • Owner: Canadian Natural Resources

Sources:

Suncor Base Mine Extension (proposed)

Alberta · Oil sands · North of Fort McMurray

A proposed 225,000 bbl/d mine to replace Base Plant supply.

  • Status: Early development; project descriptions filed with the AER and Impact Assessment Agency
  • Next: Impact assessment; Suncor choosing among supply options
  • Disclosed cost: Not publicly disclosed
  • Owner: Suncor Energy

Sources:

Frequently asked

What is Trans Mountain’s capacity?

About 890,000 barrels per day after the expansion. The optimization program would raise it to about 1.19 million bbl/d, subject to approvals and investment decisions.

What is the Mainline Optimization Project?

A Trans Mountain proposal, filed with the Canada Energy Regulator, to add about 210,000 bbl/d. It uses pump-station upgrades, drag-reducing-agent units, new valves and terminal work, all inside existing fencelines.

The full brief is in the October 2026 report: the procurement packages to watch, the buyer and contractor contacts, the dates on the 90-day calendar and how this project ties into the rest of the pipeline.

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