It's one thing to hear or see news about energy development projects that destroy the environment in the far north, it's quite another to see it happening in your own neighbourhood.
If anyone was under the illusion that designated conservation areas or environmental protections carried any weight, that illusion was shattered this week when contractors for Kinder Morgan - with the approval of the National Energy Board - started surveying a potential pipeline route through Burnaby Mountain.
They cut down trees as they broke a trail through the dedicated parkland. The city, of course, issued a stop work order and handed out tickets as it believes it has the right to do under city bylaws. Kinder Morgan is now going back to the NEB to ostensibly get a very clear definition of what it can and cannot do.
Meanwhile protesters are organizing, the mayor is fuming and residents who thought they lived in a democracy with rules and regulations are now learning that it's all a moot point if a big oil company wants to expand and the federal government in power is friends with big oil companies.
We understand that the needs of the many sometimes trump the needs of the few, but this is less about need than greed. The proposal to see huge oil tankers line up in Burrard Inlet at a much expanded terminal is flawed to begin with. It is the wrong place, wrong time and exists only for short-term gain.
Last week we saw Port Metro Vancouver approve a coal transfer facility in Surrey - this despite massive opposition from citizens and the municipalities impacted by the proposal. This week we may see a federal group once again ignore local laws and concerns and just accede to Kinder Morgan.
Are municipalities merely "pretend" democracies when the feudal landlords want what they have? It certainly appears so.
