An unplanned shutdown of a pipeline that transports gasoline, diesel and jet fuel in our province is expected to impact Winnipeg and the surrounding area. 

On Sunday, Imperial Oil announced they would be temporarily shutting down a pipeline that runs between Gretna and a Winnipeg terminal to ensure the continued integrity of the line.   

According to the province, Imperial Oil’s decision to shut down the pipeline and undertake repairs, was made after preventative maintenance and proactive pipeline inspections identified concerns in a section of pipe just south of St. Adolphe. They say the line has not been compromised, and no material has spilled. 

To fix the line, crews need to replace a section that runs under the Red River, south of Winnipeg, which means the line could be out of service for approximately three months.

While repairs are completed, the province says they have convened a ‘supplier table’ comprised of Manitoba’s largest fuel suppliers to help support the management of the fuel supply being brought into the province. 

Meanwhile, Imperial says they are leveraging their extensive supply network and working around the clock to minimize customer and consumer impacts, arranging for alternate forms of transport, including truck and rail. They are also looking at identifying other terminal locations for customers to pick up product, including at the Gretna terminal, which remains connected to the supply. 

In the meantime, the province has activated its Incident Command Structure to mitigate the impact on the provincial economy and closely monitor repairs to the fuel pipeline.

"We sincerely regret the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers and the community," said Imperial Oil in a press release. "Our priorities are the integrity of this pipeline and ensuring the continued protection of people and the environment while minimizing disruption to our customers and the local economy."