Operating and building pipeline infrastructure affects many along the route, and Trans Mountain recognizes the potential impact to its neighbours and communities in proximity to operating areas.
Trans Mountain works with landowners along its pipeline network. A key objective is to treat each landowner fairly and equitably. For those who may be directly affected by the proposed expansion project, Trans Mountain will identify and address landowners’ concerns and questions about the project. These landowners will then work with the Lands Teams to reach jointly equitable solutions.
The National Energy Board (NEB) has produced a guide for landowners and the public that provides details about the regulatory process governing pipeline projects. This information is available on the NEB website.
In cases where Trans Mountain is unable to reach a mutually agreeable settlement with a landowner, the NEB will provide a multi-step process to address differences of opinions as part of the routing review and approval process.
It is important to note that pipeline companies such as Trans Mountain do not have the right to expropriate land from landowners. Expropriation is a legal term that conveys the right of an entity to take private property for a purpose deemed to be in the public interest, even though the owner of the property may not be willing to sell it. Expropriation is sometimes used by agencies such as municipalities to take private land for a fee for public use such as a roadway. Our objective is to not displace anyone from their home or business as a result of the proposed Trans Mountain expansion project.