Quebec mayors opposed to Energy East pipeline, warn of environmental risk

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre and mayors of surrounding cities and boroughs say they are firmly opposed to TransCanada Corp.’s Energy East oil pipeline project, warning that the environmental risk far outweighs any economic benefits.

“They didn’t do their homework, obviously,” Mr. Coderre said on Thursday about Calgary-based TransCanada’s $15.7-billion pipeline that would move 1.1 million barrels of crude a day from Western Canada to East Coast refineries and shipping points and pass through heavily populated areas in the Montreal region.

“They were a bit arrogant, frankly. Let’s call a spade a spade: it’s a bad project,” he said.

Mr. Coderre was speaking as president of the regional Communauté Métropolitaine de Montréal, which represents 82 municipalities with a total of about 3.9 million people.

The economic benefits are slim, with negligible job creation, whereas the possible environmental fallout – including costly spills, water contamination and human health concerns – is high, he said. The group – which cannot actually block the project – will oppose the pipeline at coming Quebec environmental impact hearings as well as before the National Energy Board, he added.

The decision is the latest blow to Energy East. Ontario’s energy regulator said last year that the project offers more risks than benefits. Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard has stated that Quebeckers are not keen on it and environmental and aboriginal groups are strongly opposed.