Kitimat council to decide what to do with pipeline vote results

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KITIMAT (NEWS1130) – While it may only be a symbolic exercise in democracy, the people in Kitimat are taking next week’s plebiscite very seriously.

Next Saturday, voters are being given the opportunity to weigh in on whether they support the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline.

People representing Douglas Channel Watch, who are lobbying against the project, and reps with Enbridge, the company behind the proposal, have been conducting door-to-door campaigns in the lead up to the vote although the final decision rests with Ottawa.

Mayor Joanne Monaghan says she’s not surprised by all the canvassing.

“I think both sides want the people of the town to know what each side represents, and to educate the people in town.”

She admits the district council has yet to decide what to do with the results.

“We haven’t talked about it, obviously, because we don’t know if it’s a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ outcome. I would assume we would get in touch with governments and let them know how many people voted in favour and against.”

She says they’re undertaking the vote because many people want to see how the town overall feels about the proposal.

Council itself has decided to stay neutral throughout the hearing process which wrapped up last year.

Ottawa’s decision on the proposal is expected in June.

The pipeline would end in Kitimat, where tankers would be filled with the bitumen the pipeline is meant to carry.

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