It could cost North Bay up to $250,000, and maybe more, to get intervener status at a National Energy Board hearing. The hearing is to examine Trans Canada’s proposal for a pipeline that passes by Trout Lake, the city’s drinking water. Initially, North Bay has to spend about $100,000 on preparatory work including hiring technical experts and lawyers. Those same people would then appear at the hearing when the city voices its concerns over the pipeline’s proximity to Trout Lake. At the onset of the debate councillor Chris Mayne first opposed the expenditure. But colleagues, like Sarah Campbell, got him to change his mind by saying it’s not a lot of money to spend if it means protecting our drinking water. Meanwhile councillor Mike Anthony said this wouldn’t be an issue if Trans Canada would move the pipeline further away from Trout Lake. He says although the relocation would cost several million dollars, the amount is actually very small considering the entire project nation-wide will be in the billions. Mayor Al McDonald would represent the city at the hearing.
