Heather Wright/The Independent

Lambton County councillors have thrown their support behind the Northern Shield pipeline.

The federal and provincial governments have pledged to build a pipeline from Alberta to Sarnia’s petrochemical industries which would bring 500,000 barrels of crude oil a day to the region for refining. It’s an effort to maintain
control of Canada’s energy resources.

The feds have promised to fast-track the project, but the timelines aren’t known yet.

During the Sept. 2 council meeting, county politicians endorsed the project at the request of Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley. He says Enbridge’s Line Five which currently brings oil to Sarnia, continues to be in jeopardy.

“This is the Canadian solution. It will take time. There’s a lot of hills ahead to make this happen,” he told councillors before the vote. Bradley says the province is fully on board with the project.

He urged councillors to send a message to the federal goverment. “I think by sending this motion from County
Council, if it’s approved, we send a very clear message that we believe this is the best solution for as Canada’s Eastern Energy Hub. This is the best solution for the next generation.”