Close X
Thursday, November 28, 2024
ADVT 
National

Kinder Morgan removes protest camps, begins survey work on Burnaby Mountain

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 21 Nov, 2014 11:10 AM

    BURNABY, B.C. — Kinder Morgan has started survey work at a Metro Vancouver conservation area after its crews worked through the night to take down camps that have stymied a pipeline expansion project for two months.

    Just tarps and a handful of activists remained near a taped-off area Friday morning as crews prepared to drill two 250 metre-deep test holes for the proposed Trans Mountain pipeline into Burnaby Mountain.

    Trans Mountain said workers are now setting up test-hole equipment and that the drilling work — which it plans to conduct 24 hours a day for up to 12 days straight — is expected to start soon.

    Other safety equipment, such as lights and fencing, were also brought in as part of the worksite preparations.

    The pipeline builder said in a news release that it communicated with RCMP before it set about to "respectfully remove and relocate" protesters' property overnight Thursday.

    "Trans Mountain supports the right to peacefully protest and believes individuals can express their views in the lawful assembly area, which is near one of the work sites, while allowing our workers to continue working safely," the company said in a statement on Friday.

    The injunction went into effect Monday, although officers did not make any arrests until Thursday morning. A couple dozen police arrived and proceeded to tape off the site and forcefully take individuals into custody, loading some activists into a police wagon.

    At one point, Mounties stood shoulder-to-shoulder and pushed back a group of protesters who refused to move. Some activists yelled obscenities and spat at the police. A middle-aged woman was tossed to the ground behind police and quickly arrested.

    Burnaby Mounties said on Twitter they arrested 26 people and five were put into custody Thursday as RCMP enforced Kinder Morgan's court-ordered injunction for protesters to dismantle their barricade.

    Police have said some protesters were released on conditions that they abide by the court order.

    Some protesters put out their own news release Friday, saying they "remain undeterred in the face of these heavy-handed intimidation tactics."

    They say the people who were arrested, including an indigenous elder who maintained a sacred fire at the camp, were held overnight before bail hearings in B.C. Supreme Court.

    Opponents of the pipeline argue the expansion would increase the risk of a devastating spill because of the increased quantity of oil being transported through the pipeline. They are also concerned by the prospect of increased tanker traffic in Vancouver's harbour.

    The City of Burnaby has also filed a lawsuit to prevent Kinder Morgan from cutting down trees and damaging parkland around the borehole sites.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Over $1.1 billion in unspent funds at Veterans Affairs since 2006: documents

    Over $1.1 billion in unspent funds at Veterans Affairs since 2006: documents
    OTTAWA — Veterans Affairs Canada has returned $1.13 billion to the federal treasury in unspent funds since the Conservatives came to power in 2006 — cash that critics say should have gone towards improved benefits and services.

    Over $1.1 billion in unspent funds at Veterans Affairs since 2006: documents

    Christy Clark Calls BC's NDP Irrelevant, Without Identity, Better Off Green

    Christy Clark Calls BC's NDP Irrelevant, Without Identity, Better Off Green
    VICTORIA — Premier Christy Clark has attacked the Opposition New Democrats as irrelevant and without principles during a question period where she offered her support for the one-member Green Party.

    Christy Clark Calls BC's NDP Irrelevant, Without Identity, Better Off Green

    Today on the Hill: Mayors, councillors wrap annual lobbying effort

    Today on the Hill: Mayors, councillors wrap annual lobbying effort
    OTTAWA — Municipal leaders wind up their annual advocacy trip to Parliament Hill today, after three days of lobbying their federal counterparts.

    Today on the Hill: Mayors, councillors wrap annual lobbying effort

    Ontario Passes Bill To Cut Auto Insurance Premiums An Average Of 15 Per Cent

    Ontario Passes Bill To Cut Auto Insurance Premiums An Average Of 15 Per Cent
    TORONTO - The Ontario legislature has passed a bill aimed at reducing car insurance premiums an average of 15 per cent by next August.

    Ontario Passes Bill To Cut Auto Insurance Premiums An Average Of 15 Per Cent

    Ex-Liberals in Senate offer legal arguments for missing, murdered women inquiry

    Ex-Liberals in Senate offer legal arguments for missing, murdered women inquiry
    OTTAWA — Former Liberals in the Senate are offering up ready-made legal arguments to anyone willing to take the federal government to court in order to force a national inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women and girls.

    Ex-Liberals in Senate offer legal arguments for missing, murdered women inquiry

    Canada, U.S. And Mexico Jointly Recall Graco Baby Strollers And Travel Systems

    Canada, U.S. And Mexico Jointly Recall Graco Baby Strollers And Travel Systems
    TORONTO — Health Canada has announced the recall of a brand of baby strollers because a folding hinge on the products poses a risk to children's fingers.

    Canada, U.S. And Mexico Jointly Recall Graco Baby Strollers And Travel Systems