TC Energy is holding a virtual open house this week to discuss the Medicine Hat Looping pipeline project with residents and businesses in southeastern Alberta. The 64-kilometre, 24-inch line was announced in late 2019, could be complete in 2024.--NEWS PHOTO COLLIN GALLANT
TC Energy is ready to release more advanced proposals to bring added natural gas to the Gas City.
The Medicine Hat Looping project on the Nova Gas transmission system will be discussed at a virtual open house event tonight available through the company’s website.
The line would increase gas delivery to Medicine Hat on contract for the city to fuel its planned north-end power plant expansion.
TC Energy now states construction would begin about one year later than originally proposed, in the summer of 2023, and be complete in the spring of 2024.
TC Energy officials told Cypress County council in February that the project could employ 500 workers and last about 18 months.
The company is still deciding a final route, but new maps shows much of the 64-kilometre route would mostly follow the existing line’s right of way.
A new section however, would jag south at Township Road 150 and Range Road 31, east of Bowmanton. It would then require a new crossing of South Saskatchewan River, before rejoining the NGTL system north of Medicine Hat on Box Springs Road.
In December 2019, Medicine Hat city council approved a new 15-year contract to block off additional gas delivery in 2023.
That would lock in supply for the power plant that is now in advanced planning stages.
That existing facility is already supplied by high-pressure lines that enter the city from the north. As well, the city’s distribution system relies on additional volumes during high demand periods each winter.
