CLRA is encouraged by Dow Inc.’s confirmation that its $10-billion Path2Zero petrochemical project is moving ahead in Fort Saskatchewan. The company announced a new timeline with the first phase expected to start by the end of 2029 and a second phase operating by the end of 2030.
This represents one of the largest active industrial projects in Alberta and a significant opportunity for the province’s skilled construction workforce. Last April, the company had delayed construction plans to reflect market conditions. Their renewed commitment provides the kind of certainty Alberta’s construction industry needs.
The project is expected to create up to 5,500 jobs during peak construction and approximately 400 to 500 full-time jobs once fully operating. For CLRA members and the skilled trades workforce across Alberta, this represents substantial multi-year work in the Industrial Heartland region northeast of Edmonton.
“Major petrochemical projects like Path2Zero are exactly the kind of project that puts our skilled trades to work and showcases what Alberta’s construction industry can deliver,” said CLRA President Joe McFadyen. “Our members have the expertise to build complex facilities like this and we’re ready to work with Dow to ensure they have access to the skilled labour they need.”
The project represents a large effort to attract major investment into Alberta’s petrochemical sector while highlighting decarbonization. Dow has stated the project would be the world’s first net-zero integrated ethylene cracker and derivatives complex, tripling ethylene and polyethylene capacity from Dow’s existing Fort Saskatchewan facility.
Total project capital spending of US$7.5 billion (C$10.1 billion) is expected. About 30 per cent of total project capital spending is already complete and several milestones have been reached, including procurement of heavy equipment.
Provincial Jobs and Economy Minister Joseph Schow expressed optimism about the progress and the economic benefits the project will bring to Alberta. Mark Plamondon, executive director of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association, noted the project sends a message that major international companies are choosing to build in the region.
CLRA will engage in further discussions with Dow to understand the project’s workforce requirements and ensure alignment between the company’s needs and the capabilities of CLRA’s member contractors and their skilled trades employees.
