The Prince George-based Sea to Sands Conservation Alliance has written to the Initiatives Prince George board of directors to question the economic development agency's support of Enbridge's proposed $5.5-billion oil pipeline through northern B.C.
"We believe the time has come for the city's economic development to focus on renewable energy, agriculture and other more environmentally-friendly sound initiatives," wrote Mary MacDonald and Josh DeLeenheer on behalf of Sea to Sands.
"To support a crude oil pipeline from the Canadian oilsands is simply not consistent with the direction we need to go as a community and a society, and the very few stated long-term jobs certainly do not outweigh the environmental and social risks associated with this project," the pair said.
Members of the Sea to Sands alliance met recently with IPG senior officials.
Initiatives Prince George Development Corp. CEO Tim McEwan said they explained the agency's support, which is conditional on the project meeting environmental regulatory requirements and obligations under the law to consult and accommodate First Nations. There also must be significant community benefits in northern B.C., added McEwan. "This is not a blank cheque."
Enbridge's proposed 1,170-km pipeline is meant to open up new markets for Alberta oilsands crude in Asia. The route from Edmonton to Kitimat would take the buried pipeline just north of Prince George at Bear Lake. The company is touting the economic benefits of the project, while First Nations and environmental opponents oppose the line over the risks of a spill.
