Altona to Winkler gas transmission project

Project overview

The Altona to Winkler Gas Transmission Project is a proposed 30-kilometre, 8-inch steel natural gas transmission line to improve the capacity of the regional gas transmission system in southern Manitoba. The line will extend from a site north of Altona to a connection point on the east side of Winkler, where it will connect to existing infrastructure owned and operated by TransCanada (TC) Energy Corporation.

The purpose of this project is to increase the supply of natural gas to the Altona and Winkler regions in response to growing customer demand. The existing infrastructure has reached its capacity limits, necessitating expansion to support ongoing regional development. Key drivers of this demand include urban growth, the expansion of cereal crop production, and a shift by some users from alternative energy sources to natural gas.

The proposed transmission line traverses the Rural Municipalities of Rhineland and Stanley, the communities of Reinfeld, Altona, and Winkler and is located on Treaty 1 lands, the original territories of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewak and Ininewak, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge these nations who have occupied and cared for these lands for thousands of years and their longstanding cultural and spiritual connections with the land. Through this we recognize the importance of learning and considering the unique perspectives these nations share throughout the project.

Construction methods for this project include trenching and horizontal direct drilling. Trenching involves excavating the ground and placing the transmission line within the excavated area. A typical trench depth is 1.3 meters, and the top of the pipe lays 1 meter below the surface. Horizontal direct drilling is used to install the transmission line where it crosses drains, railways and roadways. It is a technique used to install underground utilities, like pipelines. A tunnel that follows an arc shape is drilled under the designated area, and the transmission line is pulled through the drilled underground tunnel, resurfacing on the opposite side.

This project is classified as a Class 2 development under The Environment Act. An environmental assessment report will be developed and submitted for this project.

How to participate

We plan to work directly with First Nations, the Manitoba Métis Federation, landowners, interested parties and the general public throughout the project lifecycle to:

• share information about the project
• understand and consider concerns and interests
• offer opportunities to participate and inform the environmental assessment process, route alignment, and potential mitigations

Participate in one of our upcoming open houses to learn more about the project and share your feedback. We will be available to provide information, answer your questions and listen to your feedback. Your feedback will help us understand concerns about the project and inform the final preferred route.

Open house schedule

Virtual sessions

Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sign up

Thursday, July 24, 2025
Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Sign up

In-person session

Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Winkler Arts & Culture Centre, 547 Park St, Winkler, MB

Timeline

• engagement: July-August 2025
• file environmental assessment report for regulatory review: September 2025
• anticipated licensing decision: spring 2027
• if licence approved, construction to start: spring 2027
• estimated in-service date: fall 2028

Updates

Resources

Additional information on the project: