Article content Representing the Alberta government, Karim Zariffa, managing director of the Sustrio company, addressed Woodlands County council on May 21 regarding a proposed pipeline. Sustrio also addressed Fox Creek town council on May 4 regarding the proposal for an oil pipeline to the West Coast. “At this point, there is no specific project route,” Zariffa told Woodlands council.
“There are several options being contemplated.” When asked specifically if a proposed route runs through Woodlands County, Zariffa replied Sustrio had limited time to engage municipalities, and chose towns and counties to engage based on options under consideration. On May 15, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith inked an agreement allowing the Alberta government to propose an oil pipeline project to the West Coast by July 1. Zariffa told Woodlands council that the Alberta government is now the proponent of the project, which is in the “early stage and feasibility phase.” Under the agreement, the federal government would declare the pipeline project to be of national interest by Oct.
1, according to the Edmonton Journal. Approval for the pipeline’s construction would be granted by Sept. 1, 2027.
“We believe the West Coast oil project is in Canada’s national interest, because it is strengthening energy security and expanding access to markets,” Zariffa told council. He added that this will support economic growth, with employment, training and contracting opportunities. Initial discussions began in the fall of 2025, including with indigenous communities in Alberta and British Columbia, followed by the memorandum of understanding in November 2025, Zariffa said.
Last week, Zariffa said he was interested in hearing input from Woodlands County council. Sustrio is working with a “structured” engagement team, including indigenous and non-indigenous professionals, he told council. In his presentation, Zariffa said no facility location has been chosen and went on to discuss environmental considerations.
“Alberta’s government is committed to understanding and managing environmental risks comprehensively,” Zariffa told council. “Environmental protection is not an afterthought and will be part of the earliest planning decisions and regulatory review.” Safety measures will be taken to protect land and water, he said. As to whether the pipeline will be government-owned, Zariffa said the Alberta government is currently the proponent, and he can’t speak about what happens after the proposal in July.
During the May 21 meeting, Goose Lake/Freeman Coun. Peter Kuelken offered his thoughts. “I don’t have a problem at all with pipelines,” Kuelken said.
However, he shared socioeconomic concerns. “We’re transporting a non-renewable resource, so I don’t know how you build that into a pipeline project, so there is a future there 100 years from now for our kids,” Kuelken said. Investment should be returned to the commmunities, Kuelken said.
Zariffa replied that he would share this feedback with his technical team. Following the presentation, Whitecourt East Coun. Karen St.
Martin’s motion for Woodlands County staff to prepare a letter of support for the project was carried. Municipalities adjacent to Woodlands County will be invited to sign on, according to the motion. Additionally, Whitecourt West Coun.
Patricia MacNeil’s motion to accept the Sustrio presentation was carried. The energy agreement between the Alberta and federal governments also addresses the industrial carbon tax. According to the Edmonton Journal, the current price is $95 per tonne, to rise to $100 per tonne in 2027.
Under the agreement, the price will be $130 per tonne by 2035, rather than the previously pitched $170 per tonne. Peace River–Westlock MP Arnold Viersen, who represents Whitecourt, Woodlands County and Fox Creek, has criticized the agreement. bquarin@postmedia.com
