Mayor calls for special meeting on oil tankers in Burrard Inlet
Mayor Gregor Robertson announced today that he has called a special council meeting for Monday, July 5th, to discuss the current status of oil tankers in Burrard Inlet, given recent concerns about rapidly increasing oil traffic.
“We’ve seen a steady increase in crude shipments through Burrard Inlet over the past decade,” said Mayor Robertson. “This has happened largely away from the public eye, and given the horrific scene we have witnessed in the Gulf of Mexico, more and more questions are being raised about the current situation in Vancouver, the safety standards in place, and the long-term plans for Burrard Inlet.”
Mayor Robertson and city council will hear from a number of experts about oil tankers in Vancouver on Monday, July 5, at a special meeting of council. Speakers and organizations include:
BC Chamber of Shipping
BC Ministry of Environment
Burrard Clean Operations
Georgia Strait Alliance
Pacific Pilotage Authority
Peter Baker, Oceanographer
“I’m hopeful that this meeting will not only bring more awareness to the issue of oil tankers in the inlet, but that we will have an opportunity to ask questions and get a clear risk assessment of the current situation,” said the Mayor. “We need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to protect our coastline, our marine life, and our economy.”