S TANDARD TERRACE
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VOL. 26 NO. 5
www.terracestandard.com
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Cleanup went well, says official By Anna Killen Deputy Fire Chief Dave Jephson says his neutral stance on Enbridge’s proposed Northern Gateway pipeline hasn’t changed since visiting the place in Michigan where a company line broke and poured oil into a river there in 2010—but he does have a better understanding of what happens to a town after an oil spill. Jephson toured the Kalamazoo River spill site and surrounding area on a Enbridge-sponsored trip as a representative of the City of Terrace last week. Enbridge had offered to fly one council member as part of a 25-person delegation
from along the Northern Gateway pipeline route to Marshall, Michigan on May 8 to view the cleanup and speak with local officials. Jephson was chosen to represent the city after no council members were able to attend, citing work obligations and lack of passports. Of the 25 cities invited, only 13 sent representatives. Regardless of whether Enbridge paid for the trip or not, Jephson described it as worthwhile. “It was really interesting,” said Jephson. “I’m glad that someone from the city went. The intention on Enbridge’s behalf really was to bring people out that are along the proposed Northern Gateway
to look and see what happens at a spill, how it was cleaned up, and how different agencies work together.” The 2010 spill into the Kalamazoo River of an estimated 1 million US gallons of oil, which went undetected for hours, increased opposition to Enbridge’s plan to build the Northern Gateway pipeline across northern B.C. Cleanup efforts at the spill are set to total $1 billion. “The intention was not to go and come home and change peoples’ minds,” said Jephson. “Ultimately, I respect the decision that council has taken. I respect the no votes and the yes votes. I have lots
Cost stalls road work
THE CITY’S planned showcase road construction project for this year has been stalled for now because of costs. What was to be the reconstruction of the 4700 Block of McConnell between Eby and Sparks in the Horseshoe is now on hold while city officials pare down their original plan. The city has $600,000 earmarked in this year’s capital budget for a complete overhaul including the surface, subsurface, drainage and water line. But only one company – Bear Creek Contracting – submitted a bid and it came in at $825,973.75. That figure did include roadbed construction and drainage and water system replacement. But the price did not include paving, design, inspection or administration costs. The city has put the project out to tender once again, this time reducing some of the original requirements in order to minimize costs. “Modifications to the tender include the elimination of some works in the Eby St. intersection,” said city public works director Rob Schibli in an email. Work on other city road projects planned for this year started last week. Ranking high on that list is a repaving of Kenney St. on the southside. That project will include widening to accommodate a bicycle travel lane.
of friends that are on both sides of the fence.” In early 2012, in a majority vote, Terrace council declared its opposition to any project to transport oil by pipeline across the north. And councillor Stacey Tyers, in debate about the Michigan visit invitation, called it “propaganda.” Jephson has photos and firstperson details from Kalamazoo locals, city officials and managers, scientists and the president of Enbridge that he will use when reporting to council. “It’s amazing what a billion dollars does,” he said, noting that one local told him the water and marsh area was better now than it was be-
fore the spill because of extensive efforts by Enbridge to clean it and restore wildlife to the area. Part of the billion dollar price tag involved buying out 150 houses. Enbridge offered to buy the houses of people who no longer wanted to live in the area following the spill, and paid for them at assessed value, he said. The trip highlighted new technology and safety measures, as well as the cooperation between Enbridge and the different levels of government, said Jephson, noting the need to be open about pipeline routes and planning was also a focus.
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margaret speirs PHOTO
■■ Church celebrates knox united church secretary Pat McGinley stands with one of the 13 stained glass windows in the church May 9. This one dedicated to Vesta Douglas. The church is celebrating its 100th birthday this year and inviting everyone to its celebrations this weekend. For more, see page 20.
Banishing bullies
Band stays
Rugby returns
Thornhill Elementary students plan and lead anti-bullying assembly \COMMUNITY A21
School district gives assurances elementary bands will remain \NEWS A8
The Caledonia Bears are off to a good start in high school rugby action \SPORTS A30