Kitimat residents vote 58.4 per cent against Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipeline project

NEWS — Kitimat residents have voted ‘no’ to the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline project.

The plebiscite, as discussed in this morning’s (Saturday’s) Armchair Mayor News editorial, was held by the District of Kitimat council to gauge public opinion on the project. The result is non-binding on council — which has taken a neutral position — and on the federal government, which will make the decision.

The District of Kitimat website describes the plebiscite as “seeking community opinion.”

CTV News has reported via the Canadian Press that 1,793 voters opposed the $6.5-billion project while 1,278 supported it. In percentage terms the margin was 58.4 per cent against and 41.6 per cent for.

The percentage turnout hasn’t been reported but there were 4,200 registered voters in the 2011 municipal election. If the number is similar for the plebiscite, it would translate to a turnout of more than 70 per cent.

If approved, the pipeline would be built by Enbridge between Alberta and Kitimat to carry oil-sands bitumen.

Kitimat Mayor Joanne Monaghan said prior to the vote the council would discuss the results of the referendum next week and decide what to do. Since the plebiscite is non-binding, the council could choose to remain neutral or follow the wishes of the electorate.

There was disagreement on which side of the plebiscite spent the most money. News reports had suggested Enbridge appeared to have outspent Douglas Channel Watch, the main opposition group, in its media campaign.

However, a story in Friday’s Kitimat Northern Sentinel said Enbridge reported spending $9,600 on advertising, while Douglas Channel Watch spent $14,363.

The Douglas Channel Watch Facebook page contained congratulations messages tonight with comments such as “You guys rock!!!!! Congratulations!!” and “Thank you Douglas Channel Watch — we love you guys.”