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Kamloops  

Trans Mountain projects late summer start for pre-construction in Kamloops

City council received an update during Tuesday's meeting on the local expectations for the Trans Mountain pipeline should the project proceed.

Kate Stebbing, the senior community liason for the project, explained Trans Mountain's plans for construction in and around Kamloops should the project be once more given the go-ahead, following the federal court of appeals overturning of the project's approval in August 2018. The project is currently being reconsidered by the federal government with a decision scheduled on or before May 22.

"It will be sort of a slow ramp-up in terms of what it feels like for the community," Stebbing told councillors, describing the process of pre-construction followed by a build-up of construction operations during the expected 18-month build.

Due to the previous delays, Stebbing added that the construction schedule has been compressed.

Coun. Dieter Dudy asked about whether there could be more delays due to the provincial government's position on the pipeline. Stebbing said she'd be speculating, but there is some anticipation of more legal challenges, though where that may come from isn't clear.

"There will be places where we reach resolutions," she says. "There, I expect, will be communities where we'll continue to disagree."

The City of Kamloops already has a community benefit agreement with Trans Mountain which includes $700,000 for the city along with an expected $3 million a year in taxes.

Coun. Denis Walsh brought up the issue of the impact of the workers on Kamloops, as at peak construction it's expected there will be 700 people working on the project based in Kamloops. He pointed to increased policing and health care costs the city will absorb.

Stebbing said they're looking to hire locally, but hundreds are likely to be coming to the city and staying in a variety of temporary accommodation. Due to the size of the city, a work camp won't be set up near Kamloops (though one is planned for near Merritt).

To help deal with the influx of workers, Stebbing said Trans Mountain can send workers home for four days at a time to relieve pressure.

"We've been working with the hotel association and tourism association," Stebbing added.

The route for the project in Kamloops has already been set, with 28 km of pipe to be laid inside city boundaries, including an underwater crossing of the Thompson River. Should it go forward it would mostly follow the current pipeline and right of way, but as it passes through Westsyde it would shift to follow a right of way along with Telus lines instead, as the neighbourhood has been built up over the pipeline.

A business readiness workshop is being held March 26 at the Coast Hotel in Aberdeen from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce and Trans Mountain are holding the event to help businesses prepare for the project's local impact.

It's free to attend, but attendees must register. More information can be found HERE.



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