The application by Enbridge to ‘reverse’ the flow on its Sarnia to Montreal pipeline has been the focus of much attention by the Flamborough Chamber of Commerce (FCC) recently. The line includes a pumping station in Flamborough (Westover).

Every month, FCC Executive Director Arend Kersten participates in a teleconference with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), providing an opportunity for senior chamber executives from across Ontario to discuss issues of provincial concern. During one of these discussions, representatives from Enbridge explained their plans and answered questions.

Enbridge claims that the ‘line reversal’ is required because two refineries located in the Montreal area are underutilized and unless they are provided with additional raw material, one or both may have to close. That would most likely result in higher gasoline prices in Eastern Canada. Enbridge also claims that pipelines are safer when compared to alternatives – like truck or rail.

Critics claim that the change will result in thicker raw material travelling through Ontario from the Alberta oil sands. There are also concerns about leak detection and response.

Subsequent to the OCC teleconference, Arend had a lengthy telephone discussion with senior Enbridge executives about the project. He also attended the Open House hosted by Enbridge at the Rockton Agricultural Society last Thursday. The FCC Board of Directors (BOD) will consider the issue at its next meeting.

To read the article published in the Hamilton Spectator about the Rockton Open House (which includes a quote from Arend), please clickHERE.