The first-ever Burnaby Trans Mountain Run and Walk for Change drew a crowd of people who left messages about the pipeline for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Roughly 120 people came out for the Sept. 25 event, organized by Philippe Filiatreault, a local resident and member of Burnaby Residents Opposing Kinder Morgan Expansion.
“Many remarked it was well organized, diverse, informative and a positive vibe for the community. A lot said it helped open their mind and make them think more about the issues that were brought up,” said Filiatreault in an email to the NOW.
Participants walked or ran along a 3.4-kilometre stretch of the Trans Mountain trail, which runs along the pipeline path, close to the tank farm. At the turn-around point, people left messages of change at a tree, and those message were sent off to Trudeau’s office in Ottawa. Filiatreault also brought in speakers and organizations, such as BROKE, the Great Climate Race and Dogwood Initiative.
“Chances are we'll do the run again next year,” said Filiatreault. “There are many challenges facing us as people so as long as we keep coming together we may find ways to overcome them.”
