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Burnaby resident organizing run against pipeline

A Forest Grove resident is organizing an anti-pipeline event with an athletic twist.
Philippe Filiatreault
Forest Grove resident Philippe Filiatreault is organizing a community run against the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion.

A Forest Grove resident is organizing an anti-pipeline event with an athletic twist.

Philippe Filiatreault is hosting the Burnaby Trans Mountain Run and Walk for Change, where local residents can gather to learn about the pipeline expansion and challenge themselves to a run.

“This is really an opportunity for people to get together, go for a walk and show their unity,” Filiatreault told the NOW. “There’s a significant voice opposed to the pipeline project for a variety of reasons, whether it’s climate change or safety on Burnaby Mountain.”

Filiatreault works as a digital media consultant and lives in the Pine Ridge Housing Co-op, close to the pipeline. 

The run will be on Sunday, Sept. 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Forest Grove neighbourhood. The meeting point will be at Cinnamon Drive and Ash Grove Crescent. The gathering starts at 2 p.m., followed by speakers at 2:30 p.m. The run (or walk) is from 3 to 4 p.m., and it’s a 3.4-kilometre stretch along the Trans Mountain trail, which traces the pipeline’s path to the tank farm. The turn-around point will be at the base of Shellmont Avenue and Greystone Drive, at a tree, where participants can leave a message related to social change.

Filiatreault has invited environmental groups - including BROKE, the Dogwood Initiative and the Great Climate Race - to bring their own speakers and set up information booths.

Forest Grove is on the south side of Burnaby Mountain and consists of several housing co-ops and single family homes. The Kinder Morgan pipeline runs through the residential area, close to people’s homes and Forest Grove Elementary.

“You could say it’s in my backyard. I could throw my apple core out my backdoor and hit the pipeline trail,” Filiatreault said.

BROKE, Burnaby Residents Opposing Kinder Morgan Expansion, is supporting Filiatreault's efforts. The local residents' group will have a table at the event. 

BROKE member Elan Gibson said the group supports public education about the pipeline.

"Our whole reason is to point out to the community the dangers of having this expansion going through," said Gibson. 

For more information, click here.