CHETWYND, B.C. – Construction on the Sunrise Expansion Program, a major upgrade to the southern portion of the Westcoast natural gas pipeline system, could begin as early as July, bringing employment opportunities and economic benefits to the Peace Region.

The Sunrise Expansion Program is designed to meet growing demand for natural gas by increasing the capacity of the existing pipeline system. The project includes the installation of new pipeline segments and additional compression facilities at existing compressor stations throughout British Columbia.

Representatives for the Sunrise Expansion Program hosted a community coffee chat in Chetwynd on May 26, 2026 to help inform residents about the project. The event provided local residents, businesses and community stakeholders the opportunity to learn more about the project, ask questions and discuss potential employment and business opportunities related to the development.

Three of the four new compressor units will be electric-powered as part of the project, requiring new power lines. Preparatory activities such as site setup and transport of equipment and construction materials may occur prior to the start of major construction activities.

Work in the Peace River Regional District will focus on the installation of a natural gas-powered compressor unit at Compressor Station 2B (CS-2B), north of Azouzetta Lake, approximately 70 kilometres southwest of Chetwynd. A site for a temporary workforce accommodation camp will be developed in the Pine Pass area to house workers who will be involved in the project.

“Construction of the project will generate 2,500 jobs across BC and more than 100 workers will be employed at peak construction at CS-2B alone,” project officials say.

Local businesses such as restaurants, accommodations and service providers are expected to benefit from the influx of workers. It is also expected to generate tax revenues for provincial, regional and municipal governments, to support public services such as schools, hospitals, roads and other infrastructure.

Local workers, contractors, businesses and accommodation providers interested in participating in the project are invited to complete the online Community Interest Form for the project.

Construction is scheduled to continue through 2028 with the Sunrise Expansion Program scheduled to be complete by the end of that year. The expansion will also add another 300 million cubic feet per day of natural gas transportation capacity to the Westcoast pipeline system once in service.

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District of Chetwynd Council Meeting Agenda

Below is the agenda for May 19, 2026 District of Chetwynd Council Meeting.

For complete coverage and to watch the full meeting, please tune in to Chet TV's live stream or visit our video archive for the full recording. Stay informed on the discussions, decisions, and updates that matter to our community.

Youtube Live Stream Link:

https://www.youtube.com/live/DnRn5GD4_Gw?si=OyeFdV7IZiWb7TWP

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On May 5, residents of Chetwynd gathered for Red Dress Day to remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+). The event, organized with the help of Tansi Friendship Centre, brought the community together for a day of commemoration, education and solidarity. Participants took part in a memorial walk, shared stories and discussed the importance of continuing to push for justice for Indigenous communities.

Throughout the event, red dresses were on display to symbolize the thousands of Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people who have gone missing or been victims of violence across Canada. The empty red dresses represent both loss and the presence of those no longer with their families and communities. The empty red dresses are symbolic of loss and the presence of those who are no longer with their families and communities.

Every year on May 5th, Red Dress Day is observed across Canada. The movement was inspired by the REDress Project created by Indigenous artist Jaime Black in 2010. Through the art installation, red dresses were hung in public spaces to draw attention to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Red was chosen because it is believed by some Indigenous cultures to be the only color spirits can see, calling the spirits of loved ones back to their families and communities. The movement was inspired by the REDress Project created by Indigenous artist Jaime Black in 2010. As part of the art installation, red dresses were hung in public spaces to bring awareness to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Red was chosen because some Indigenous cultures believe that spirits can only see this color and it calls the spirits of loved ones back to their families and communities.

Since then, May 5 has become a national day of awareness and remembrance, asking Canadians to learn about the issue, support families affected and continue the conversations about reconciliation, justice and community healing. Community members at the Chetwynd gathering emphasized the importance of continuing to educate and support after one day of recognition. Organizers thanked everyone who attended and encouraged residents to continue to advocate for awareness and change throughout the year.“People in the community in Chetwynd said it’s important that the education and support continues, not just for one day of recognition. Organizers thanked everyone who attended and urged residents to continue to advocate for awareness and change throughout the yea

People in the community in Chetwynd said it’s important that the education and support continues, not just for one day of recognition. Organizers thanked everyone who attended and urged residents to continue to advocate for awareness and change throughout the year.

Video Highlights:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17AyCXJ2G7/

https://youtu.be/MQbHp_8Vuig?si=VI40ZEGxRXHx90VO

Event Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1LU9GHJER5/

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CHETWYND, B.C. – Infrastructure improvements, community development and responsible financial planning were among the key priorities highlighted in the most recent District of Chetwynd council meeting as municipal leaders continue to meet the needs of a growing community.

The meeting began with regular reports from council members and administration, updating on ongoing projects, staffing and municipal operations. These updates demonstrated the District’s commitment to transparency and keeping residents informed of ongoing initiatives.

Much of the meeting revolved around infrastructure and public works, and the preservation and enhancement of vital services including roads, utilities and public facilities. Council recognised the importance of long term planning to ensure reliable infrastructure to meet current and future demands.

Council also looked at some community development initiatives to help local growth. This included recreational programming, upcoming events and partnerships to help foster community engagement and improve quality of life for residents.

Council also took care of some financial business, reviewing expenditures and budget matters. Discussions highlighted continued efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with investments in key services and development projects.

The council also reviewed updates to bylaws and policies that strengthen governance frameworks that guide land use, municipal operations and community standards.The meeting ended with a strong plea for public engagement, encouraging residents to stay engaged in the local decision-making process, by attending meetings and keeping up to speed with the District.As Chetwynd continues to grow, council reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development, improved infrastructure and maintaining an inclusive and connected community.

For full coverage and to watch the complete meeting, visit the official livestream:
https://www.youtube.com/live/qKxe4LGD0mk?si=4H2r3negd2gBVvmi

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