EDMUNDSTON, N.B. -- The president of the Energy East Project says plans are still negotiable when it comes to the path that any west-to-east pipeline would take.
This concession comes after Edmundston’s mayor and council said it strongly opposed the project’s current projected path, which runs through the city’s watershed.
“Over the last two to three years, we’ve actually been working very closely with Edmundston, listening and talking to the route, and we are more than open to continue those discussions,” said Energy East President John Soini.
TransCanada says it has been flexible over worries in Edmundston before, and will continue to be flexible moving forward.
“We’ve been working very closely with Edmundston since the beginning of the project,” said Soini. “We have adjusted the route based on input we’ve received, and we will continue to work with the community to come up with the best possible route that works for the project and for the community.”
Premier Brian Gallant spoke Thursday afternoon in Fredericton before the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association. He defended the project, but said opposition is to be expected.
“I think it’s important that we all be very open to having any community that has any concerns, suggestions, or questions, to be encouraged to do so,” said Gallant.
Edmundston is the latest Canadian municipality to formally oppose the project.
“It’s a challenge for the industry no doubt, and we’re responding to those challenges,” said Kent Wilfur of the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association.
The mayor of Edmundston was not available for comment today.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Nick Moore.
