A Burnaby MP is raising concern over the proposed expansion of the Kinder Morgan pipeline, suggesting numerous people could lose their homes if reconstruction plans pull through.
The 1,100-kilometre Kinder Morgan pipeline runs from Alberta to Burnaby and was originally laid down in the 1950s. The energy company plans to double the pipeline's capacity, while keeping its existing route.
Burnaby-Douglas MP Kennedy Stewart fears the National Energy Board will flex its legislative muscle and push out residents who live near the route.
"They could take your home if they felt that was necessary in order to construct the pipeline route. Again, that's kind of an extreme case, but that does happen and I think people need to be aware just how far the process can go," Stewart said.
The NDP MP wanted to know which homes could be affected, so he commissioned a map detailing the pipeline's path.
"Really, when you put it on a map what kind of strikes you is the size," Stewart said. "It was important for my constituents, I think, to see the extent to which the size of this construction project and how it would affect them directly."
If the project is approved, extensive construction will occur on many sites throughout Burnaby where several homes are within the 30-metre right of way.
Kinder Morgan told CTV News public consultation starts in the fall and will be critical to its planning process. The energy company added the expansion may not line up with the existing pipeline, particularly in urban areas, and that it expects to negotiate and avoid expropriation.
The company also said keeping the pipeline safe for residents and the environment is its key priority.
In 2007, the pipeline ruptured in Burnaby and in January this year it leaked in Abbotsford.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Penny Daflos
