Coastal GasLink protesters block supplies, damage equipment and steal heavy machinery

“Houston RCMP have received several calls of complaints about the protest group allegedly committing acts of vandalism and thefts to CGL equipment in the area, even prior to the blockade outside the worker’s camp. The Division Liaison Team have made numerous attempts to end the blockade peacefully through a negotiated settlement. However, those efforts have been unsuccessful,” said RCMP in a release.

On the evening of October 27, the RCMP said they were called to the blockade on Shea Forest Service Road to assist with keeping the peace as CGL workers evacuated the worker’s camp.

“During the course of the evening, two individuals were arrested; one of whom for an outstanding Criminal Code theft and mischief files, and the other for having been found in possession of several stolen items from CGL equipment.”

All other protesters blockading the Shea Forest Service Road peacefully vacated the area and no further arrests were made.

Coastal GasLink said in a statement they were “increasingly concerned about the safety of our workforce and the public following an escalation in unlawful and dangerous activities by opponents that have put people, property, and the environment at risk.”

The company said on October 24 a group of opponents confronted their crews on an active construction site approximately 40 km west of the Morice River, which can only be accessed by leaving the forest service road and entering the construction right of way.

“This group arrived unannounced and was not permitted access to the site due to safety concerns. Our crews offered to facilitate access at another time when it could be made safe to do so. Subsequently, crew vehicles were blocked in both directions and prevented from exiting; our people subsequently departed the area and one vehicle was able to pass through,” said the company in a statement.

It said on October 25, new blockades were put in place on the Shea forest service road and on Coastal GasLink right of way.

“This road is the only year-round access to one of our construction lodges housing more than 400 men and women. In addition to blockades, heavy equipment has been damaged and stolen, including by force at multiple locations,” the company said.

“The prevention of the safe flow of people and supplies, like water, fuel and food to our people is dangerous and unacceptable. These activities are directly impacting the safety of our employees and contractors.

“Our primary concern is for the safety of our people and the public and every reasonable effort is being made by our teams to de-escalate this situation.

“Our work is lawful, authorized, fully permitted and has the unprecedented support of local and indigenous communities and agreements in place with all 20 elected First Nation councils across the 670 km route. These agreements include Wet’suwet’en Nation communities who are benefiting from training, employment and contracting opportunities.”

The $6.6 billion pipeline, to be operated by TC Energy Corp, would transport gas from near Dawson Creek in northeast B.C. to Kitimat on the coast and supply Canada’s largest liquefied natural gas export terminal, called LNG Canada, which is under construction.

Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard

dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com

Twitter.com/nobby7694