Abstract: A method is taught for creating a laterally-continuous, vertically-oriented dilation zone connecting the two SAGD wells. A method is taught for drilling and completing the SAGD wells in a formation, conditioning said wells to create a stress condition favorable for forming a dilation zone, injecting one or both of said two wells with a stimulant at pressures greater than the in-situ minimum stress of the formation to initiate the dilation zone connecting said SAGD wells and continuing stimulant injection into a first of said two wells while maintaining a target pressure at a second of said two wells to propagate the dilation zone homogenously along the well length.