Cautious optimism in Red Deer for the future of Trans Mountain's expansion



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Local authorities are taking into account the latest announcement from the National Energy Board regarding the Trans Mountain Pipeline Project with a grain or two of salt.

On Friday, ONE said the project was in the best interests of Canadians, but if the federal government wants to approve it, it must consider 16 new recommendations. The council had already done 156 others.

Some of the new recommendations focus on reducing the noise of ferries and the safety of resident killer whale populations in the southern Salish Sea. According to the report, an increase in tanker traffic could affect not only whales, but also indigenous culture, while creating more greenhouse gas emissions.

Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer said the ONE's statement was a positive step in the right direction.

"Red Deer, Albertans and Canadians are focused on putting energy on the market and ensuring the safest transportation of our natural resources," she said.

"It is imperative that the federal government carry out the necessary additional consultations with Aboriginal peoples to carry out the project."

Mr. Veer also discussed the announcement made this week by Alberta opposition leader Jason Kenney that he would dismiss Premier Notley's plan to use wagons while waiting for a pipeline.

"I think it's imperative to note that our ultimate goal is the construction of a pipeline and that railroad cars emphasize the economic desperation of our province," said Veer. At best, this is an interim solution, because the safest and most efficient transportation of energy products is the pipeline. "

Rick More, CEO of the Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce, says he is much more confident today that Trans Mountain will be built before the last report.

"It's good news, but it was good news last time and I should not be too excited. That's good preliminary news, let's just say that, "says More.

"For the NDP, they would probably be happy to see that happen, but I do not know where we are with the cars if that happens."

If Justin Trudeau's firm approved the project, the capacity of the existing Edmonton-Burnaby line would be tripled to approximately 890,000 barrels of oil per day.

A number of aboriginal groups have already stated that they would continue to fight in the hope of preventing the expansion project from coming into existence.

rdnewsNOW also contacted Earl Dreeshen, Member of Parliament for Mountain View, to provide his comments.

(with Canadian Press files)

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