Mayor Gregor Robertson petitions against Kinder Morgan's TransMountain Pipeline request
Mayor Gregor Robertson expresses deep concern and opposition to the expansion of US oil giant Kinder Morgan's $5 billion plan to twin its TransMountain Pipeline from Alberta to Burnaby.
"This would mean a fivefold increase in oil-tanker traffic through Vancouver, forcing at least 25-30 tankers through our harbour every month," he said in an email to The Vancouver Observer.
Here's more from Mayor Robertson:
As Mayor, I have enormous concerns about any plans for expanded supertanker traffic in Burrard Inlet, Vancouver Harbour or the Fraser River. An oil spill would have disastrous consequences for our local environment and marine habitat, not to mention the potential for major job losses resulting from lost tourism and other economic activity.
What I keep hearing from citizens is that it makes no sense for one industry with almost no jobs in Vancouver to create enormous risk for our thriving economy and valuable global brand as a green, livable city.
We need you to join us in taking a stand.
At Vision Vancouver, we're starting a petition to the National Energy Board against vastly expanded oil tanker traffic in Vancouver Harbour, Burrard Inlet and the Fraser River. Click here to add your name.
This is only the beginning of a very long process, but it's important that your voice is heard at every stage.
Together we'll ensure that our harbour, our local economy and Vancouver treasures like Stanley Park are safe from the untold risks of a catastrophic oil spill.
Thanks for your involvement.