It was standing room only Tuesday night at North Bay council as Trans Canada explained how its pipeline running through the city will work. Trans Canada is converting an existing natural gas line to accept crude oil from western Canada as it heads to eastern refineries. However several councillors like Sarah Campbell are worried about the project. Campbell says the pipeline is too close to Trout Lake – the city’s drinking water and wants Trans Canada to consider moving the pipe. Chris Mayne was first to ask the company if it would look at a site further away from Trout Lake. Trans Canada believes it’s chosen the right location for the pipeline and will prove that it’s safe. However the company says it’s also open to community input. Another councillor, Mike Anthony asked a company official if he would live in the same city as a pipeline. But Trans Canada representative John Van Der Put only talked about the pipeline benefits and avoided answering Anthony’s question. His comments drew criticism from the public. Following Trans Canada’s presentation council heard from many community residents, many of whom oppose the location for the pipeline because of its proximity to our drinking water. Others also suggested it’s time to get off fossil fuels and develop renewable energy.
