Projects

We build safe and reliable infrastructure to meet the demand for natural gas transportation in Saskatchewan. 

Facility and gas line expansion projects increase the capacity of the TransGas system. Through these projects, we serve business needs while providing market access to customers.

Keeping stakeholders and Indigenous communities informed is an important part of our major projects. We engage with stakeholders and communities through various means, such as newspaper ads, direct mail-outs, in-person meetings and open houses.

Current Projects

Aspen Supply Project

SaskEnergy Incorporated’s natural gas transmission subsidiary, TransGas Limited (TransGas), is proposing construction of a new natural gas transmission line between Prud’homme and a proposed meter station facility near Lanigan, Saskatchewan. This project will enhance reliability for our customers and increase spare capacity for anticipated residential, commercial and industrial growth in the surrounding areas — including the proposed SaskPower Aspen power station near Lanigan.

The project will include the installation of approximately 91 kilometres of 16-inch or 406.4 mm (NPS 16) high pressure natural gas line. The gas line will begin at the TransGas Prud’homme Compressor Station and end at the proposed SaskEnergy natural gas meter station near Lanigan. The SaskEnergy meter station will be installed at the east end of the gas line, to regulate, odorize and meter the gas. 

 

Saskatoon East Expansion Project

SaskEnergy Incorporated’s natural gas transmission subsidiary, TransGas Limited (TransGas), is proposing construction of a new natural gas transmission line east of Saskatoon and the expansion of the existing compression facility near Prud’homme, Saskatchewan. This project is being proposed to enhance reliability for our customers and increase spare capacity for anticipated residential, commercial and industrial growth in the surrounding areas.

The project will include the installation of approximately 42 kilometres of 20-inch or 508.0 mm (nominal pipe size [NPS] 20) high pressure natural gas line. The line will begin at Patience Lake, east of Saskatoon, and end at the existing TransGas compressor station near Prud’homme. This gas line will run adjacent to an existing TransGas gas line. The additional compression facility will be installed within the existing compressor station near Prud’homme.

Regina East Expansion Project

SaskEnergy’s natural gas transmission subsidiary, TransGas Limited (TransGas), is proposing a two-phase construction project on the southeast side of Regina. The Regina East Expansion Project will increase natural gas supply to meet residential, commercial and industrial customer demand in the Regina area and throughout eastern Saskatchewan.

In development since 2015, this project will be built on previously acquired easements and SaskEnergy-owned property; a small portion of proposed easement is also required for connecting to existing infrastructure. 

Phase 1 of construction is expected to begin in summer 2024 and includes approximately 11 kilometres of new high pressure gas line (ranging from eight to 16 inches in diameter) and a new meter station. In Phase 2, beginning in summer 2025, a new compressor station will be built on the same property as the new meter station. 

Regina North Expansion Project

SaskEnergy’s natural gas transmission subsidiary, TransGas Limited (TransGas), is in the planning stage of the Regina North Expansion Project. 

The project includes a new 16-inch transmission gas line approximately 35-kilometres long between Armour Road northwest of Regina and the Regina north industrial area at McDonald Street/Highway No. 46. 

This project will improve customer reliability and increase spare capacity for anticipated residential, commercial, and industrial growth in the surrounding area. Proposed construction timing is based on anticipated customer demand with a targeted construction start date of summer 2025.

Melfort East Expansion Project

SaskEnergy’s natural gas transmission subsidiary, TransGas Limited (TransGas), is in the planning stage of the Melfort East Expansion Project. The project includes a new transmission gas line, about 23 kilometres long, between Smeaton and Choiceland, as well as system upgrades at the existing Nipawin meter station. An additional 16-kilometre transmission gas line that will run next to existing TransGas infrastructure between Kinistino and Beatty is also proposed.

This project will provide additional natural gas supply to the Choiceland, Nipawin, Tisdale and Melfort areas, as well as improve customer reliability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by addressing specific system constraints, and increase spare capacity for anticipated residential, commercial and industrial growth.

Construction of the Smeaton to Choiceland transmission gas line and the Nipawin meter station upgrades are scheduled to begin in summer 2023 and will be completed in about three months. Construction of the transmission gas line between Kinistino and Beatty will be scheduled for construction based on customer demand in the area.

Information and Frequently Asked Questions

Pipeline Construction

Our gas line routes are designed according to industry best practices. This includes the consideration of information we gather through engagement with landowners, Indigenous groups and stakeholders.

We take several key factors into consideration when proposing gas line routes and siting, including: 

  • The ability to provide safe and reliable natural gas.
  • Landowner, Indigenous and stakeholder feedback and impacts.
  • Current and future land use, including development potential.
  • Environmental, archaeological and cultural impacts.

TransGas works to corridor existing features, where feasible. These include gas lines and other pipelines, utilities, roads and property lines. We strive to minimize disturbances and impacts to current and future land uses. 
 

Information for Landowners

Does project construction have an impact on local landowners and residents? 
There is minimal impact to area residents during construction. However, some farming operations may experience temporary inconveniences during construction. TransGas will work to minimize any adverse impacts. We are committed to fair negotiations with any landowners affected by our activities. 

How does compensation work for affected landowners?
We provide fair and reasonable compensation packages to landowners affected by our projects. Compensation is given to landowners for damages incurred during the installation, operation and maintenance of our infrastructure. 

What are the next steps after you propose a new gas line? 
As part of our stakeholder engagement activities, TransGas shares information about proposed gas lines with landowners and welcomes questions or feedback. If required, we will then refine the gas line route and facility design. This information is included in submissions to project regulators. 

Where can I get more information? 
We engage with landowners, stakeholders and communities through various means, such as newspaper ads, direct mail-outs, in-person meetings and open houses. Landowners can also contact us directly with any questions they may have.
 

Project Review and Approval

Various regulatory agencies review our projects, including: 

  • Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment
  • Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources 
  • Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure 
  • Saskatchewan Ministry of Parks, Culture, and Sport
  • Saskatchewan Municipal Relations: Community Planning, Land Use and Subdivision Branch
  • Rural Municipalities

Other provincial/federal agencies may also review projects. For example, Transport Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada might review watercourse or waterbody crossings depending on impacts to fish habitat and the navigability of waterways. 

We conduct heritage/archaeological and environmental assessments once a route is selected. Documents for regulatory review and approvals are then finalized.

Environmental and Other Considerations

The environment is a key consideration when we select gas line routes and facility sites. Where practical, we avoid or mitigate environmental sensitivities. 
 
We engage affected Indigenous and Métis groups early to gain knowledge of traditional land use. These groups also identify any culturally-sensitive areas near the proposed route or facility site. 

Once a route is selected, and heritage/archaeological and environmental screenings occur, we conduct field surveys. These surveys collect data on key environmental considerations such as: 

•    soils and topography
•    wildlife and invasive species/biosecurity risks
•    wetlands and vegetation

Siting or routing changes may be considered to avoid heritage resources or other significant environmental sensitivities. If changes are not practical, we put measures in place to mitigate impacts to the sensitive areas and features. These measures may include construction timing restrictions or alternative construction methods and materials (i.e. directional drilling). 
 
We are committed to protecting the environment throughout the life cycle of our gas lines and facilities, including after abandonment. In addition to our reclamation process, we monitor the land and address any issues such as trench settlement, weeds, and impacts to crop or vegetation yield. Landowners are welcome to contact us at any time to ask questions or discuss concerns. 

Gas Line Safety

Safety is our number one priority. We take specific measures before, during and after construction to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our gas lines and facilities. TransGas has programs in place to monitor and inspect transmission lines to ensure they operate safely.

We adhere to best practices that meet and exceed industry standards. We also have an industry leading gas line integrity program to monitor and protect our natural gas system. ​

What do I need to be aware of if I am working near a gas line?
Planning ahead is the first step in making sure your project is successful. Whether you’re installing fence posts, digging a trench or working near a gas line, you need to be aware of the location of underground utilities. For any projects involving ground disturbance, please contact Sask 1st Call to have underground infrastructure marked. You must also obtain crossing and/or encroachment permits from TransGas to perform work over, near or across natural gas lines.