Once upon a time, Vancouver was home to 4 refineries. But early in the 1990s, Canada's largest oil companies decided to expand their Edmonton operations and pipeline final product to BC's Lower Mainland.

Fast forward 25 years. The population growth of BC and Alberta has outpaced much of North America's, leaving a shortage of refined product in southern BC. And the problem is only getting worse. Neighbouring Alberta now produces oodles of crude, desperately seeking a friendly buyer in close proximity.

Two groups have come forward with plans to build oil refineries in Kitimat, but these projects are up against some serious headwinds. Politics aside, we think Vancouver is the best place in Canada to build a new refinery. And here's why: