Chilliwack -MARCH 7 UPDATE – Council heard about plans (subject to approval from BC Housing) for a 70 bed-low barrier shelter, run by the Salvation Army. It would be in the old Wellington Plastics building in behind the current Care and Share building. As of now, the current shelter plus cots used in the soup kitchen have been trying to accommodate the current homeless situation. If all goes according to plan (Now that the MOU Memo of Understanding) has been put forth, the new shelter could be up and running by October/November of this year.
In a letter of comment that is to be send to the National Energy Board regarding the twinning of the Kinder Morgan Pipeline through Chilliwack, the City wants a few answers and clarifications over rights of way from BC Hydro and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. The Hydro right of way concerns are the overhead power lines and that option is now off the table. Te Ministry of Transportation is concerned about any pipeline near current and potential highway overpasses, as expansion of Highway one is coming over the next 20-30 years as well as city growth. Any pipeline would be subject to earthquakes. The City also wants assurances that shut off valves are in place to protect the Vedder River and the Aquifer. The City wants to limit the depth of the pipeline underground (with or without partial tunneling) so that quick access can be made in the event of a break/spill. The Current plan for some back yards to be torn up through the existing Kinder Morgan right of way, must include assurances that those residents won’t have to suffer through a long period of restoration of their property. Part of the pipeline will be underground, but a cut and cover system is preferred rather than tunnel drilling.
You can see the proposals in the pictures below.
MARCH 6 ORIGINAL STORY – Chilliwack Council should be a lively affair on Tuesday (3PM) as Council will direct staff to provide a letter of comment to the National Energy Board on their proposed changes to twinning the proposed oil pipeline that will start near Edmonton and roll through BC via the Fraser Valley, Chilliwack and onto Burnaby.
