A final decision is expected on the controversial proposal to reverse the flow and increase the capacity of a 639-kilometre stretch of Enbridge’s Line 9 this year. If approved, the reversal would allow Enbridge to pump diluted bitumen from the Alberta tarsands to the east.

Recently, maintenance work on the line, which runs through North York underneath a stretch of Finch Avenue, was temporarily halted by a group of protesters who took aim at Enbridge’s alleged disregard for First Nations input on the project. Members of the group chained themselves to equipment carrying signs reading, “No consultation? No approval? No pipeline. #LOCKDOWNLINE9.”

Aamjiwnaang and Sarnia Against Pipelines (ASAP), a coalition of Anishinaabek people from Aamjiwnaang and Settlers from Sarnia, issued a statement prior to the protest: “We want to protect our Mother Earth and our limited fresh water. We are not in support of the expanding Tar Sands.”

Graham White, manager of business communications with Enbridge, said that despite protests, the company has been consulting with First Nations groups.

“As a company we recognize the rights of individuals and groups to express their views legally and peacefully,” said White.

“The engagement of First Nations groups by Enbridge throughout the proposal and application stages of this project has been timely, extensive, far reaching and above and beyond what is required. We look forward to those relationships continuing.”