Kinder Morgan pipeline protesters on Burnaby Mountain defy injunction

Protesters blocking survey work by pipeline crews on Burnaby Mountain east of Vancouver were given until 4 p.m. PT today to clear out, or risk arrest.

Shortly before 2:30 p.m., representatives of Kinder Morgan, accompanied by police, arrived at the main protest camp and read out the court order, which requires the protesters to leave the survey work areas.

Court order read to protesters RAW

10 years ago

Duration 3:53

Kinder Morgan was granted an injunction against protesters blocking workers from accessing pipeline survey sites on a forested area of Burnaby Mountain

The protesters, however, did not dismantle tents and structures and leave the conservation area and park on the mountain's west side. More protesters arrived, forming roughly 200 people shortly before the 4 p.m. deadline.

Burnaby RCMP Staff Sgt. Major John Buis said police would read out the enforcement order at 4 p.m. and then see what happens.

"We will use our discretionary authority to continue to monitor and assess the situation." he said. "The Burnaby RCMP will continue to ensure the right of those who are assembled to carry out a lawful and peaceful protest … that does not infringe on the injunction."

When asked by reporters to clarify what actions police would take Monday afternoon, Buis was explicit: "We're not planning on making any arrests today at 4 p.m."

He did not say when police would start making arrests under the enforcement order given to the RCMP.

The injunction was granted by a judge on Friday after the company argued protesters have been interfering with survey and drilling work it needs to complete for submission to the National Energy Board on the proposed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.

• MORE | Kinder Morgan Burnaby Mountain protest injunction granted

The court injunction states that protesters must remove their camps and barricades from areas where Kinder Morgan is trying to drill bore holes for a proposed tunnel under Burnaby Mountain.

Karl Perrin, who speaks for Burnaby Residents Opposed to Kinder Morgan Expansion (BROKE), says the protesters will find ways to continue to oppose the project.

"We're going to stand on the safe side of the street. We'll be dressed in black and holding candles for a silent vigil. I'm going to be making up a black coffin which will say, 'Kinder Morgan greed kills justice,'" said Perrin.

Perrin says, BROKE will also be busy raising legal funds.

Kinder Morgan is suing the organization and some of its members for $5 million for trespassing.