Alternate route approved for Trans Mountain south of Merritt

Last month, the Canada Energy Regulator approved a new route for the Trans Mountain pipeline to the south of Merritt.

The previous route had been challenged by the Coldwater Indian Band as it ran over the communities only source of drinking water.

Chief Lee Spahan believes the change is a good first step for his community.

“I’m happy about the new route,” said Spahan. “We’re bringing it back to the community to get direction on next steps. We’re also waiting to hear back from Canada about the existing modernization agreement for the existing pipeline. I’ll find out if Canada is going to investigate if there is any more contamination of the pipeline on reserve.”

The map below shows the new route in blue, the old route is in gray.

credit – Trans Mountain

“The Commission noted that in weighing the benefits and burdens of the West Alternative, significant weight was given to the evidence the West Alternative poses less risk to Coldwater’s groundwater supply than the East Route. The Commission also gave weight to Coldwater’s strong preference for the West Alternative, as well as the support for Coldwater’s preference from other potentially affected Indigenous peoples and the lack of opposition from affected landowners. Lastly, the Commission considered the mitigation measures Trans Mountain is required to implement and concluded the West Alternative can be constructed safely and in a manner consistent with environmental protection,” reads a statement from Trans Mountain.