Northwest pipes up on Energy East

Transporting oil by pipeline is preferable and safer than rail transport, said leaders with the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA).

NOMA is “pleased” that TransCanada Pipeline’s application for the Energy East project is moving to the federal regulatory hearing stage.

“The vast majority of the population of the Northwest are exposed on a daily basis to the hundreds of rail cars carrying some form of fossil fuel beside their homes and businesses,” said NOMA president and Kenora Mayor David Canfield in a statement. “These cars travel within 100 feet of residential and institutional neighbourhoods. As we all have seen, rail accidents involving a cargo of fossil fuel can have devastating results – with significant loss of life.  We must be as concerned with the health and safety of our residents as we are of the natural environment. As municipal leaders it is our responsibility to do what we can to minimize the dangers to our residents and the people who visit and/or work in our communities,” added Canfield.

NOMA expressed confidence that TransCanada will work with communities, stakeholders and organizations to address any questions and concerns during the National Energy Board (NEB) hearing process.

The group expects a thorough evaluation of the project in areas such as environmental, safety and socio-economic impacts.

“NOMA supports the long-term benefits of the Energy East Project recognizing it is subject to extensive evaluation by the NEB. Both the employment opportunities and economic spin-offs will benefit our region,” said Canfield. “That being said, we look forward to participating in the NEB process as a formal intervenor so we can be sure that the environment is also protected.”