TRANS MOUNTAIN TIMELINE
TIMELINE III
October 1953 The Trans Mountain pipeline begins shipping oil with an initial capacity of 150,000 barrels per day. The project features four pump stations along its 1,150-kilometre route and a marine dock that connects loading facilities on the east side of Edmonton with ocean tankers in Burnaby, B.C. 1957 Pipeline capacity is expanded via the construction of a 160-kilometre pipeline loop. The Westridge Marine Terminal is built and commissioned in Burnaby, B.C. Jan. 14, 1985 Trans Mountain’s biggest spill occurs at a tank farm in the Edmonton area, with nearly 10,000 barrels of oil released. Dec. 16, 2013 An application is made to the National Energy Board (NEB) to expand the Trans Mountain pipeline. Construction is proposed to begin in 2017. May 17, 2016 Ottawa appoints a three-member panel to conduct an environmental
review of the Trans Mountain expansion project. May 29, 2016 The NEB recommends approval of the pipeline, subject to 157 conditions, concluding that it is in the public interest. Nov. 29, 2016 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sanctions the Trans Mountain expansion, part of a sweeping announcement that also saw approval of Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline replacement but the end of its Northern Gateway project. Jan. 11, 2017: B.C. Premier Christy Clark announces her support for the project.
May 15, 2017 The Federal Court of Appeal grants Notley’s government intervener status in a lawsuit filed by municipalities and First Nations against the project. May 25, 2017 Kinder Morgan makes its final investment decision to proceed with the development, now estimated to cost $7.4 billion, subject to the successful public offering of Kinder Morgan Canada. May 29, 2017 The B.C. NDP and Greens agree to form a coalition to topple the Liberal party, which won a minority government earlier in the month. The parties agree to “immediately employ every tool available” to stop the project. May 30, 2017 Kinder Morgan Canada debuts on the Toronto Stock Exchange after a $1.75-billion public offering. June 29, 2017 The B.C. Liberals lose a no-confidence vote, clearing the way for NDP Leader John Horgan to become premier. Aug. 10, 2017 The B.C. NDP government hires former judge Thomas Berger to provide legal advice as it seeks intervener status in the legal challenges against the project filed by municipalities and First Nations. Dec. 7, 2017 NEB allows Kinder Morgan Canada to bypass Burnaby bylaws. Jan. 17, 2018 Kinder Morgan Canada warns the Trans Mountain expansion project could be a year behind. Jan. 30, 2018 B.C. government moves to restrict any increase in diluted bitumen shipments until it conducts more spill response studies. March 15, 2018 B.C. Supreme Court grants indefinite injunction preventing protesters from coming within five metres of two work sites.
March 27, 2018 The City of Burnaby, B.C., says it will file an appeal to the Supreme Court in connection with the Federal Court of Appeal ruling. April 8, 2018 Kinder Morgan Canada suspends non-essential spending on the Trans Mountain expansion project and sets a May 31 deadline to reach agreements with stakeholders. April 15, 2018 Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he has instructed his finance minister, Bill Morneau, to enter negotiations with Kinder Morgan to “remove the uncertainty” hanging over the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. April 18, 2018 Ottawa prepares to counter B.C.’s attempt to take control of the oil flow through the province. Kinder Morgan Canada says the project faces “unquantifiable risk” due to B.C.’s increased opposition. Alberta and the federal government pledge to financially support the project. May 22, 2018 B.C. Attorney-General David Eby says after failed negotiations with Alberta,
British Columbia filed a legal motion against Alberta’s bill that allows Alberta to completely control and cut off oil and gas to its western neighbour. May 24, 2018 Justice Christopher Grauer dismisses legal challenges from the City of Vancouver and the Squamish Nation to the pipeline. May 29, 2018 Finance Minister Morneau announces Ottawa will buy the current pipeline for $4.5 billion and will begin the expansion after the sale is finalized.