Around a dozen anti-pipeline protesters gathered on Burnaby Mountain Thursday morning to show Kinder Morgan they’re not giving up.
Construction on the twinning of the $7.4-billion Edmonton-to-Burnaby pipeline is expected to start this month, according to the company’s timeline. However, Kinder Morgan still is working to acquire a few more permits, including one from the Port of Vancouver.
Karl Perrin with Burnaby Residents Opposing Kinder Morgan Expansion (BROKE) told the NOW the group was on the mountain “just doing reconnaissance to make sure there’s no construction happening.”
Trans Mountain spokesperson Ali Hounsell couldn’t give a specific date for when shovels will hit the ground.
“We’re working towards getting everything in place to start some construction activity in September. We’ll provide notification to local communities. It won’t come as a surprise. People will be aware,” she said.
Hounsell said the company is “prepared as it can be” for protests, and safety is Trans Mountain’s number 1 priority. In November 2014, more than 100 protesters were arrested after interfering with Kinder Morgan survey work.
“We appreciate and understand people have the right to peacefully demonstrate. We’ll be focused on the safety of our employees on any worksite, the safety of the demonstration, the safety of the community.”
BROKE and other groups opposed to the pipeline will rally in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery on Saturday, Sept. 9.
On Wednesday, Trans Mountain (a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan Canada) announced the expansion project will be completed in 28 months and that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with six contractors. The contractors will directly hire the individuals and sub-contractors.
“This will include union, non-union and Aboriginal workers and will be in accordance with Trans Mountain’s commitment to maximize employment opportunities for Aboriginal, local and regional communities,” reads a press release.
On Sept. 14, Trans Mountain is hosting a workshop at the Best Western on North Road on “potential business opportunities” in Burnaby, according to an event write-up.
“The event is aimed at providing direct information about the project’s process and timelines, and to help potential suppliers prepare to participate in the process of bidding for work on the project.”
