North Bay mayor Al McDonald will apply for intervenor status regarding the Trans Canada Pipeline. McDonald would appear at a National Energy Board hearing that deals with the pipeline passing through the city. The concern is the proximity the pipeline has to the drinking water. Councillor Mike Anthony says considering what the entire project would cost, moving the pipeline further from the water supply is not a big cost. Also Anthony expects the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to ask for source water protection at some point. Another councillor weighing in on the debate was Sarah Campbell who wants concerned residents to write to the energy board and express their concerns. Assuming McDonald is granted status, he most likely won’t appear at the hearing alone. Councillor George Maroosis says the energy board hearing is a complex matter and the mayor will need expertise at the event. Also Councillor Chris Mayne says although we don’t have a direct say on where the pipeline goes, it is the city’s job to protect our water. Meanwhile on the provincial front, the Ontario Energy Board holds a public meeting on the same issue April 2nd in North Bay.
