A look at the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion’s milestones and setbacks over the years

Here's a look back at the history of the Trans Mountain pipeline, and the milestones and setbacks it has experienced up to now.

The Trans Mountain pipeline expansion is facing delay yet again, as the company responsible for building the project reported Monday it has run into a fresh construction-related challenge in B.C.

Here’s a look back at the history of the project, and the milestones and setbacks it has experienced up to now:

March 21, 1951: The Trans Mountain Pipeline Company is established via a charter granted by the Parliament of Canada, with the intent of building a pipeline to carry oil from Alberta to the West Coast.

Oct. 17, 1953: The first shipment of oil reaches the Trans Mountain Burnaby Terminal, following a feat of engineering that saw the construction and completion of the pipeline in just 30 months.

Feb. 21, 2012: The Canadian division of U.S. pipeline giant Kinder Morgan Inc., which bought the Trans Mountain pipeline in 2005, announces it intends to expand the pipeline after receiving support from Canadian oil shippers.

Dec. 16, 2013: Kinder Morgan Canada formally files to the then-National Energy Board for regulatory approval for the project, which will nearly triple the pipeline’s capacity from 300,000 barrels per day to 890,000 barrels per day. The company pegs the capital cost of the project at $5.4 billion.

November 2014: Hundreds of Indigenous and environmental protesters who oppose the proposed pipeline expansion are arrested for interfering with preliminary drilling and survey work taking place on Burnaby Mountain in B.C. Most of the charges are later dropped.

May 29, 2016: The NEB recommends approval of the pipeline, subject to 157 conditions, concluding that it is in the public interest.