A Kamloops councillor wants Trans Mountain to reroute part of its pipeline under a Westsyde neighborhood.

Denis Walsh says he wants the Canada Energy Regulator to force Trans Mountain to stop using a section of its pipeline through Westsyde when the expansion project is finished.

“This motion makes a strong case about threats to the health and safety of  Westsyde residents, and I believe the CER will be receptive. I encourage city residents to contact councillors and express their views on this very important issue,” Walsh says.

At a city council meeting last week, Walsh asked Canadian Energy Regulator spokesperson Danielle Prevost if the CER has any concerns with the age of that pipeline and the sensitivity of its location.

“I wouldn’t say necessarily specific to the age of the pipe. Pipeline companies need to have their integrity and maintenance and operations programs, which we have oversight for. So as long as they meet the standards they need for that safety and integrity in their pipeline, which can be done in a variety of ways, age isn’t necessarily a determining factor in that. But we would, in more sensitive areas, there would be more oversight and more requirements.”

Trans Mountain’s expansion pipeline will be routed through Lac du Bois, although the existing line under properties in Westsyde will continue to operate.

Walsh is seeking council support to ask the CER to order that part of the line be rerouted, with a notice of motion that will come forward tomorrow.