Protesters block Enbridge Line 10 workers

A group of about 30 protesters stopped work on the controversial Enbridge Line 10 Wednesday.

The group, which has staged similar protests before blocking the work sites, changed tactics and blocked access at a construction yard where pipeline workers meet.

At the spot on Highway 5 West, east of Woodhill Road, the protesters arrived around 7:45 a.m. and set up a sound system and fire to stay warm, said group spokesperson Jaydene Lavallie.

“We left of our own accord at 1 p.m., effectively stopping 150 workers from construction on the pipeline for the entire day,” she said.

Hamilton police were on scene to keep the peace and ensure traffic was moving, said spokesperson Const. Jerome Stewart.

“Our intention today is to show Enbridge and the public that a little cold weather will not stop us,” Lavallie said.

The group is protesting the Line 10 petroleum pipeline work, which they argue is environmentally dangerous. They also accuse the company of not properly consulting with Indigenous communities.

The work includes replacing 30cm diameter pipe with 50-cm diameter pipe along a 32-kilometre stretch of existing pipeline.

Enbridge has maintained the work is a safety maintenance project and not a capacity expansion. The company has also said it has had meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities.