I am cynical enough to believe that Enbridge's proposed pipeline across pristine wilderness and ending in a port with no facilities and barely navigable approach channels is a sham.
I believe Enbridge really wants to get the oil to Chinese markets. I believe that it really wants to create a pipeline to get it to a port to get it to market. But there, my credulity ends. Considering the incredible amount of money involved, I'm certain that there are some logical thinkers with the academic and professional credentials to advise the decision makers that this particular option was doomed to fail the political and public litmus test.
I believe the executive committee of Enbridge has an alternative route in mind - a practical one, such as running the pipeline alongside major highways (easy access for repairs, maintenance and spill cleanup) to get to an established port (such as Prince Rupert, which is already a major transportation hub). I am cynical enough to believe that the current exercise has got everyone from my neighbours to the premier (and leader of the opposition) to be against Enbridge and that this is intentional on its part.
I believe that when Enbridge proposes an alternative solution, we will be so tired of the entire process and will accept it as being much more reasonable than the current proposal.
Stephen Sawyer
Metchosin
