Some community members have been voicing concerns over the funding of the new KEY Resource Centre and its implications.
The KEY, which is set to open its doors the day this paper goes to press, was partially funded by training money being offered by Enbridge.
Local Fort St. James Campus Supervisor Ann McCormick did say she did not take the funding without some thought and consulting with the advisory board for the project. But some community members did come out against the funding source after it became known.
Jana Gainor, an opponent of the Northern Gateway Pipeline who used to live near the proposed pump station, announced her concern on Facebook’s Fort St. James Sustainability Group’s page and called for those with concerns to voice them.
Gainor said she worries the funding will give Enbridge a foothold to say they have support in the community, despite the District of Fort St. James’ public opposition after a community survey and open house showed significant opposition in the community to the proposed Northern Gateway Project.
While Gainor said she has nothing against The KEY itself, she does have concerns taking the money will open the door to more organizations taking money in the community and it is disrespectful of the community’s stance in opposition to the pipeline.
“I’m not making a big deal about it but I do think people should know,” she said.
Gainor said she would have rather the community did car washes and garage sales to raise the funds rather than take money from Enbridge.
“I just don’t trust them,” she said.
Mayor Rob MacDougall said while he and the rest of council have not had formal discussions around the funding he does not necessarily see problem with where the funding came from.
“Just because you disagree with a project doesn’t mean you don’t do business with a company,” he said.
He sees there can be benefits to the region and not everyone is opposed to Enbridge and the proposed Northern Gateway Project, even if the District of Fort St. James is.
“We didn’t oppose the centre, but we still vehemently oppose Enbridge (Northern Gateway),” he said.
The Fort St. James Sustainability Group wrote a letter clarifying their position on the funding and reiterating their opposition (see Page 9).
The Fort St. James Chamber of Commerce has reeived sponsorship money from Enbridge in the past towards the annual Stuart Lake Fishing Derby. Miguel Romero, manager of the chamber, said there were no issues or concerns raised from the sponsorship.