For over a century, Canada’s natural gas and oil industry has been sparking important discussions about economics, energy sources, and political relations, especially with the United States. With today’s turbulent political climate enveloping most mentions of pipelines in Alberta, it can be easy to overlook the rich history of the oil and gas industry’s development, first installations, and the way that these pipelines have been an essential part of Canadian economics since the mid 1800s.
The Beginning of Canadian Pipelines
1853 saw the construction of Canada’s first pipeline, the world’s longest pipeline at the time, which brought natural gas to Quebec. Eight years later, Canada was responsible for the introduction of one of the first oil pipelines in the world, which was installed in Ontario.
The oil and gas industry in Alberta, in particular, took off on February 13, 1947, when a large amount of oil and gas was discovered in a farm field. This discovery, Alberta’s second oil rush, was immortalized in 2017 when the Minister of Energy declared February 13 to be Alberta Oil and Gas Celebration Day. With the birth of this national day of recognition came a renewed appreciation for these events’ historical significance as the nidus which resulted in the construction of the first pipelines in Alberta. Before this fruitful discovery, the only known area containing significant oil or natural gas deposits was Turner Valley, where natural gas was discovered in 1914.
What About Today?
Now, not only are pipelines in Alberta abundant, but the country of Canada boasts 119,000 kilometers of underground pipelines transporting oil and natural gas throughout the country.
Throughout the past several years, numerous energy programs have been announced and funded, and new projects are being proposed. One such project is the North Wapiti Pipeline System, which was proposed in November 2017 and, if approved, will be scheduled for completion in 2019.
There is no doubt that 2018 will see the evaluation and approval of other projects, but all we can do for now is wait to witness history in the making.
