News that the federal government has taken over the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project has left Valemount mayor Jeanette Townsend in a buoyant mood.
"This is going to make a big difference to Valemount," she said in an interview.
It amounts to a reversal of fortune. In April, Kinder Morgan said it would cease all non-essential spending on the project citing obstruction by B.C. that put the viability of the pipeline in question and set a May 31 deadline for getting assurances it can proceed without delays.
Then, last week, the federal government stepped in and purchased the pipeline for $4.5 billion and vowed to carry through on the effort to triple the pipeline's capacity.
From the Alberta border, it follows Highway 16 to Valemount and then turns south and follows Highway 5. According to Kinder Morgan's website, an area just south of the community of about 950 people 285 kilometres west of Prince George would be used as a staging area for materials and equipment.
Townsend said she understood as many as 1,000 workers would converge on the town and create a significant economic spinoff for local businesses for a year or so.
She said work camp of about about 400 pipeliners was set up near Valemount when looping work was carried out in 2008 "and they never ever caused any kind of conflict anyplace."
The Simpcw First Nation also appears to be onside. A year ago, they signed a mutual benefits agreement with Kinder Morgan.
Not everyone is happy. On Monday, about 30 protesters bearing placards and signs targeted the Prince George office of MPs Todd Doherty and Bob Zimmer during a national day of action against the project, which organizers claim will cost taxpayers up to $15 billion.
"Let that sink in. Dozens of First Nations still don't have clean drinking water. We're facing a housing crisis. Renewable energy projects are desperate for more funding," they said in a statement posted on Facebook
"But Trudeau thinks there's enough extra cash lying around to spend up to $15 billion on a pipeline so risky even Kinder Morgan doesn't think it's a good investment?
"The sale won't be finalized for at least a month, and if there's a massive backlash from voters, Trudeau could still cancel the buyout. Will you join this emergency action to tell the Trudeau government to stop the Kinder Morgan buyout?"
The local event was facilitated by the Sea to Sands Conservation Alliance conjunction while Lead Now put on the national day of action.
