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TORONTO — The Ontario government has awarded a contract for a feasibility study to establish a new Canadian East-West pipeline and energy corridor.

It will be undertaken by an advisory team consisting of GHD Limited, Ernst & Young LLP (EY Canada), Mokwateh, AtkinsRéalis Group Inc., Wood PLC and Turner & Townsend Limited. Infrastructure Ontario will act as commercial adviser.

The study will explore the benefits of building new pipelines “with Canadian steel,” the province emphasizes, to carry western Canadian oil and gas from Alberta and Saskatchewan to new and established refineries in southern Ontario and new ports on James Bay, Hudson Bay and the Great Lakes.

“A new East-West energy corridor will help to protect Ontario’s energy security by ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted supply of oil and gas for Canadian homes,” a release reads. “The pipelines would be built entirely within Canada using Canadian steel, supporting Canadian manufacturing, supply chains and creating good-paying jobs across the country.”

The feasibility study will be completed next year, delivering corridor and site options and cost analysis. It will also evaluate complementary development opportunities across Ontario, such as Ring of Fire all-season roads, mineral exports, grid upgrades and a strategic petroleum reserve.

Ontario will consult with Indigenous communities as the project moves forward.

This news comes after Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan signed a  previously that commits these provinces to identifying areas of future collaboration.