CALGARY — The company behind the controversial Trans Mountain pipeline expansion says it has picked contractors to work on the project extending between Alberta and British Columbia.
Kinder Morgan Canada says it has selected or signed agreements with six firms that have experience in building pipelines and major infrastructure projects in both provinces.
The company says contractors will directly hire individuals and sub-contractors, and there will be employment opportunities for local, regional and Aboriginal communities.
Construction on the $7.4-billion project is expected to begin this month, and the company says it will take about 28 months to complete.
The National Energy Board said last week the company has met the 157 conditions necessary for the expansion of a terminal in Burnaby, B.C.
The project would triple the capacity of an Alberta-to-B.C. pipeline and increase tanker traffic in the Vancouver area, but it has faced fierce opposition from several groups, including First Nations and environmentalists.